Everything is peaceful in Baltimore. But everyone in the Ravens’ front office is aware of what’s coming. The organisation is already preparing for the consequences, even though Lamar Jackson‘s current contract doesn’t end until 2027. Because the market for quarterbacks is not just expanding, but exploding. Dak Prescott is estimated to earn $60 million annually. Trevor Lawrence secured $55 million a year. And the average salary for a top quarterback may skyrocket past $70 million by 2026.
Just two offseasons ago, Jackson became the highest-paid player in NFL history for a brief period when he signed a $260 million extension. He now ranks tenth in terms of average yearly quarterback income. The league is moving fast. The Ravens know it. And now they’re attempting to get out before the numbers get out of hand, which is something that most NFL teams hardly ever do with a quarterback who is currently the MVP.
The team is looking forward to seeing Lamar Jackson at minicamp soon, and his absence so far hasn’t raised many red flags. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reported on SportsCenter that the Ravens and Jackson have already begun preliminary contract negotiations, motivated by long-term preservation. “There’s no major concern here. He has missed some OTA sessions in the past — they are voluntary,” Fowler explained. “In this case, it does cost him a little bit of cash based on the way his contract extension is structured, but I’m sure he’ll be fine. Not a major concern.” While Jackson’s absence may not be rattling the front office, the significant money invested in him is something the Ravens are clearly keeping an eye on.
“Yes, the Ravens would love to resign Jackson. Eventually, exploratory talks early stages the model, my sense would be like what Buffalo did with Josh Allen back in March,” Fowler clarified, referencing Josh Allen‘s 2021 contract deal. “Where you try to get ahead of this huge quarterback market that’s ballooning to the 60-plus million dollars per year. Try to do a deal two or three years before they’re up. The Bills pull that off of Allen, maybe the Ravens can do the same with Jackson.”
Before Jackson’s $74.5 million cap hit in 2026 blows up, Baltimore wants a way out. Despite signing Jackson to a five-year deal in 2023, the Ravens are reportedly exploring a restructure that mirrors Allen’s—adding years to the deal while spreading out cap damage.
But if we zoom in, the timing makes all of this messier. Jackson just lost $1.5 million for missing voluntary OTAs after forfeiting a $750,000 workout bonus for the second consecutive offseason. And, despite John Harbaugh’s insistence that he is “not measuring really the attendance,” Jackson’s deliberate absences have subtly evolved into a subplot to Baltimore’s long-term strategy. The risk? If Jackson sustains an injury while training off-site, the Ravens may be able to legally withhold his salary because it would be considered a non-football injury.
The front staff is obviously reading the financial winds, but Harbaugh’s public support has remained strong—“He was in great shape, threw the ball great.” With Derrick Henry and Rashid Bateman signing new contracts, Jackson’s is probably next. The only question is whether Baltimore will hedge before the $70 million annual tidal wave strikes or lock him in now and follow the Josh Allen blueprint.
Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson – A tale of two contracts
The Buffalo Bills executed a cap-savvy coup back in 2021. The Bills signed Josh Allen to a six-year, $258 million extension even though he still had two years left on his rookie contract, long before the market hit its current dizzying heights. They saved tens of millions thanks to the proactive action. And they did it again this March, Allen signed a six-year, $330 million contract, even though he had two years left on his 2021 contract.
The Ravens now wish to follow suit. But there’s a significant distinction. Allen hasn’t missed OTAs. Jackson has cost himself significant bonuses twice. There was no negotiation stalemate before Allen’s offer. Jackson’s last round nearly broke the franchise. And, Jackson negotiated his $260 million contract on his own, becoming the highest-paid player in the league at the time, while Allen discreetly signed his contract with a $150 million guarantee (2021) and now, $250 million guaranteed.
Ironically, both were in the 2018 draft class. Allen went seventh. Jackson dropped to 32nd place. And now they are in charge of two of the best offenses in the NFL. And in 2021, when all this contract drama was blowing up, Allen appreciated Lamar: “He’s won and MVP and he’s playing at an MVP level now. All the drama and details going on with that contract situation he’s got going on, I’m pretty sure it’s going to pay off.” Jackson’s response? “I appreciate him saying that. I feel the same way about him.” But mutual respect won’t stop market inflation. And Baltimore knows the next wave is coming for the top of the payroll.
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