Lamar Jackson Puts Ravens Contract Talks on Hold for 2026

Contract Talks Paused Ahead of Opener

Lamar Jackson will not sign a new contract extension before the start of the 2026 season. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback is focused on the opening game against the Indianapolis Colts and has been reluctant to discuss a long-term deal.

Jackson and the team have not engaged in substantive discussions about an extension to keep him in Baltimore for the rest of his career. Jackson prefers not to talk about contract issues once regular season action gets underway. Talks are now set aside, likely until the season concludes.

Future Salary Cap Impact

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has stated publicly that he wants Jackson back and is prepared to make him the highest-paid quarterback in football history. Observers across the league believe Jackson could become the first player to make $70 million per year.

The 29-year-old quarterback is in the fourth year of a five-year contract worth $260 million, with $185 million guaranteed. The contract situation will grow in importance next year. Jackson has a salary cap hit of $84.3 million in 2027, and Baltimore is projected to be about $40 million over the cap for that season.

Bisciotti expressed concern earlier this year about entering free agency with contract uncertainty hanging over the team. Jackson said his primary focus is getting to the Super Bowl and preparing for Week 1. Since entering the NFL in 2018, Jackson has compiled a 76-31 regular season record and a 3-5 postseason record.

What it means for the next game

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts (NFL, Sun, 13 Sep): Indianapolis Colts win 34%, Baltimore Ravens win 66%; projected score Indianapolis Colts 21, Baltimore Ravens 25. Our safest pick: Ravens to win.

New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens (NFL, Sun, 20 Sep): Baltimore Ravens win 72%, New Orleans Saints win 28%; projected score Baltimore Ravens 27, New Orleans Saints 19. Our safest pick: Under 53.5 points.