Unavoidable Lamar Jackson Situation Could Reportedly Become A Major Issue For Ravens
Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens still have no new deal, with Week 1 days away. Jackson keeps smiling through questions. The Ravens keep staring at 2027.
They had a window this offseason and missed it. Then they hit a max restructure instead. That move bought cap space now. It also handed him the leverage later.
Jason La Canfora put Jackson first on Baltimore’s preseason to-do list. The other names can wait. This one cannot.
Lamar Jackson Already Controls the 2027 Offseason
He plays shy in front of cameras. He negotiates like a closer behind them. La Canfora wrote that the Ravens must “entice him to secure his future to them, and not the other way around.”
They have not. The restructure created de-facto free agency in 2027. The cap charge jumps toward $85 million. He also owns a no-trade clause. He owns a no-tag clause.
Mark Levin helped on Jackson’s last deal.
“I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he asked for a trade again,” Levin said.
That trade request already sits on the table in rumors.
Pat Kirwan said the same thing on The Daily Flock Show.
“They painted themselves into a corner,” Kirwan said. “They’re the ones who gave him the no trade and no tag. So they have no leverage.”
Kirwan’s finish was blunt. Baltimore will have to make him the highest-paid quarterback. Then they must drag that cap number down.
After Wednesday’s practice, the two-time NFL MVP talked offense, not money.
“I’m in a great place with the offense right now,” Jackson said.
Nobody asked the contract question. He would not have opened the books anyway.
Lamar Jackson Can Sit Tight While the Cap Explodes
Jackson has two years left. Baltimore faces that monster 2027 hit if nothing changes. A long-term bonus structure could ease it. Waiting invites worse outcomes.
The Louisville product could request another move. He could sit in 2027. He could walk into free agency and leave Baltimore with nothing. Those blockbuster talks already swirl every time a deadline slips.
The roster is pot-committed. Owner Steve Bisciotti is pushing a payroll near $400 million. The cap is $301 million. Cash is not the myth. 2027 still is. GM Eric DeCosta may need room at the deadline. He cannot find it if Jackson’s next number stays frozen.
Patrick Mahomes already reset the market again. Jackson can name his price if he stays healthy and produces. Some execs already float 2027 landings if Baltimore blinks.
He has four Pro Bowls and three first-team All-Pros. He has two MVPs, but also missed the playoffs last season. A new staff is in. Declan Doyle runs the offense. Jesse Minter runs the building. Jackson called the change a breath of fresh air. Fresh air does not pay in 2027.
Unavoidable Lamar Jackson Situation Could Reportedly Become A Major Issue For Ravens
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