After QB Patrick Mahomes reset the market leading as the highest-paid player, it could put pressure on the Baltimore Ravens and the Lamar Jackson contract talks over the next few months. According to the breaking news, to no surprise, the Kansas City Chiefs are securing Mahomes for the rest of his career, adding two more years, which ties him through 2033 at a value of $504.75 million. Despite rehabbing a torn ACL, the team solidified a new contract that would make him the highest-paid QB, which was previously held by Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott. Now, what does the future hold for the Ravens regarding Jackson and his next deal?
Originally selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Louisville product has been one of the most elite pocket-passers in the league. The back-to-back MVP remained “mum” on the current contract negotiations and reiterated his love for the organization. However, it’s good to bring up how Mahomes’ new deal can affect the QB, who’s eligible for a new deal. Jackson has two years left on his deal, which is raising eyebrows, especially since the team can’t franchise tag or trade him to a team without his permission beforehand.
Lamar Jackson Contract: $504M Mahomes Deal Sparks Crisis
Who Has the Advantage?
It would, of course, be the four-time who has the upper hand in this situation. In 2023, the superstar requested a trade from the Ravens after not feeling valued, and the team was close to dealing him to a new roster. As crazy as it could sound, it isn’t impossible to trade him at all. Baltimore fired head coach John Harbaugh, and while it probably was a sigh of relief, could the team be heading towards a rebuild instead?
WR Rashod Bateman is on the brink of a trade himself, Zay Flowers is still without a deal and TE Isaiah Likely joined Harbaugh in New York. Anything is possible, especially with the Ravens hiring new leader, Jesse Minter. This isn’t to say that Minter exclusively said that they’re moving in a new direction, but when you have a new coach, typically, it’s sort of now building from scratch.
The good news is that despite failing to acquire Maxx Crosby, they signed Trey Hendrickson to a blockbuster contract. This means the team is serious about winning a championship sooner rather than later, but you’d have to ask yourself: Could they really accomplish what they want with Jackson, or is it time to move on?
Jackson Expected to Have Huge Year
The QB could be pushing to become the highest-paid player and reset the market himself, which would make Baltimore think twice about extending him. If he takes this team to a Super Bowl, but doesn’t bring the Lombardi Trophy home, is the trust still there in him? This is something that would be up to Ravens GM Eric DeCosta. After the Harbaugh firing, you can’t expect anyone to be safe.
However, don’t expect the relationship between the Ravens and the MVP to be pleasant anymore after the 2026 season. If he has a down year, the pressure could lean back on the QB, depending on how the upcoming campaign plays out. The Ravens drafted WR Ja’Kobi Lane to overhaul the passing game and help Bateman and Flowers in the slot.
There shouldn’t be any excuses for why the team can’t take a trip to the Super Bowl. The only thing that could be stopping this organization from success is the front office staff. Jackson mentioned before that he would like to keep contract negotiations “private,” and since he doesn’t have an agent, it’s pretty much in his control. Outsiders will have to continue to guess on what may happen over the next few months, but this is an ongoing storyline, so stay tuned here for the latest and exclusive updates.
