Overview
- ESPN’s Dan Graziano says Baltimore must either extend Jackson to reduce a projected $74.5 million cap charge in 2026–27 or evaluate the trade market.
- An extension could approach $60 million per year, according to Graziano, who also notes the Ravens could consider moving on despite few superior alternatives.
- Jackson has two years left on a five-year, $260 million deal with no remaining guarantees and a no-trade clause that would give him a say in any move.
- Public scenarios for a potential deal include multiple first-round picks or a package with an established starter, while columnist Mike Preston urges exploring trades or drafting a quarterback.
- The debate follows an injury-hit season with Baltimore at 7-8; Jackson is day-to-day after a Week 16 back contusion following earlier hamstring downtime, and media have questioned his rapport with John Harbaugh after a team fine over practice reporting.