Despite expressing his desire to stay in Baltimore, the latest NFL rumors may suggest the Ravens could lose star quarterback Lamar Jackson after the 2026 season. Entering the first season amid the firing of head coach John Harbaugh, the team could see additional changes in its organization. The Ravens lost Isaiah Likely and Keaton Mitchell and are on the verge of losing their offensive leader. With the need to extend WR Zay Flowers before the season, Baltimore could hit the panic button and whip up a quick contract.
It doesn’t mean the former first-round pick will accept any offer before the upcoming campaign. While one source believes a new deal could formulate, another stated that it will have to wait until next offseason. The back-to-back MVP will be entering the final season of his five-year, $230 million deal in 2027. Baltimore could face pressure if he puts on another All-Pro season while missing the postseason once again.
Last season, the QB finished the 2025 NFL regular season with 2,549 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, completing 63.6% of his passes with a 103.8 rating over 13 games. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to punch a ticket to the playoffs, losing to Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jackson still has control here, but does it put pressure on Baltimore?
NFL Rumors: $230M Star Projected to Turn Down Massive Offer and Request Trade
Rebuild Incoming?
The Ravens may no longer be the same championship team they once were. Despite hiring head coach Jesse Minter, the team could be eyeing a new philosophy under his wing, and it might not match what Jackson is looking for. Flowers is still without a new deal, and Rashod Bateman is barely hanging on to his starting roster spot; major changes could happen across the offense. With this, if the Ravens want to build a new regime, then what’s the point of hanging on to the former first-rounder?
This doesn’t mean anyone will project that Minter will lead Baltimore to a losing team. However, with new leadership for the first time in several years, there could be some growing pains. Don’t be surprised if the Ravens miss the playoffs this upcoming season despite them making a few solid additions, including signing Trey Hendrickson and drafting WR Ja’Kobi Lane.
Crisis Projected, But When?
Nobody should be surprised to see the Ravens offer a deal for their QB before the 2026 season. Baltimore might panic here, especially after seeing the Kansas City Chiefs make Patrick Mahomes the highest-paid player ever in NFL history. Earlier, it was discussed via LWOS that a crisis could be imminent the longer the Ravens wait.
With this, expect to see the two sides discussing a deal right before the Ravens commence Week 1 of the regular season. What deal would Jackson be looking for? He will probably ask for one around the same astronomical numbers that Mahomes received. This is where the anxiety can set in for the Ravens, as they might be unable to give him what he wants. With the QB turning 30-years-old next offseason, is it even worth it to give him a blockbuster deal?
The Ravens will play it by ear. Baltimore probably wants to see if the QB can lead this offense to at least an AFC Championship Game appearance.
A Trade Under One Condition
If all falters during the 2026 season, the veteran could seek to move to a new team in 2027. He has a “no-trade clause,” which means he has the power over any potential trade. The four-time Pro Bowler has the power to approve his next destination if it comes to it. Although it’s still early to think about the QB being in a new uniform, it’s something to monitor over the next few months.
