The Baltimore Ravens don’t have a Lamar Jackson decision; they have a Lamar Jackson math problem. And it’s the kind you don’t solve by squinting harder.
Multiple credible reports have the same flashing red headline – Jackson’s 2026 cap hit is scheduled to spike to $74.5 million, which is roughly a quarter of the team cap if the league lands around the low-$300M range. That number isn’t just tight, it’s roster-build prohibitive.
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Is there a new deal to be made?
Nov 23, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
That’s why Baltimore’s messaging has shifted. The Ravens have talked openly about wanting a new deal done before free agency in March to create flexibility. And the league-wide reporting got even louder this week: Jackson is expected to enter extension talks this offseason, and he’s reportedly been involved in coaching hires. That’s franchise-QB leverage right there.
Now the “fun” part. The Ravens’ best option isn’t just to pay him more – it’s to rearrange the front room furniture. Extensions and restructures are cap calculus, and not only possible but probable. But if Baltimore doesn’t lower that 2026 hit, every other decision gets exceedingly more difficult – retaining key starters, adding any meaningful free agents, even keeping quality depth.
How Lamar repping himself affects things:
Oct 13, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) greets offensive coordinator Todd Monken prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
And subtext, you say? Jackson represents himself. Which means this negotiation won’t have an agent smoothing the corners. It’ll be direct, intentional, and very personal.
At this point, the storyline centers around how they pay Lamar (who owns multiple MVPs), and keep the roster from collapsing around him. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
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