Lamar Jackson contract:
The Baltimore Ravens’ standout quarterback, Lamar Jackson, secured one of the most lucrative contracts in NFL history when he extended his contract. Jackson and the Ravens ultimately agreed to a record-breaking contract that not only altered the course of his career but also established new standards for quarterback deals going forward after months of conjecture, discussions, and even a public trade request.
Lamar Jackson’s Contract: The Record-Breaking Deal
After years of stellar performances, including an MVP season, Lamar Jackson finally secured the contract he deserved. Here’s a breakdown of his current deal:
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Contract Value: $260 million over five years
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Guaranteed Money: $185 million
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Average Annual Salary: $52 million per year
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Signing Bonus: $72.5 million
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No-Trade Clause: Included
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Full Guarantees at Signing: $135 million
How Does Lamar Jackson’s Contract Compare to Other QBs?
Lamar Jackson’s contract places him among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Here’s how it stacks up against other major QB contracts:
| Player | Team | Contract Value | Guaranteed Money | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | Ravens | $260 million | $185 million | $52 million |
| Patrick Mahomes | Chiefs | $450 million (10 years) | $141 million | $45 million |
| Jalen Hurts | Eagles | $255 million (5 years) | $179 million | $51 million |
| Josh Allen | Bills | $258 million (6 years) | $150 million | $43 million |
| Joe Burrow | Bengals | Expected to exceed Jackson’s deal | TBD | TBD |
Lamar Jackson’s deal set a new standard in the NFL, surpassing Jalen Hurts’ contract in total value and average annual salary at the time of signing.
The Journey to the Historic Deal
Contract Negotiation Drama
Before signing his record-breaking deal, Lamar Jackson’s contract negotiations were one of the biggest stories in the NFL. Some key events included:
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No Agent Representation – Jackson negotiated his contract himself, without an agent, which made the process unique and complicated.
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Franchise Tag & Trade Request – The Ravens initially placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on him, allowing other teams to negotiate with Jackson. However, no team made an offer, leading him to request a trade.
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Ravens’ Offer & Final Deal – Baltimore initially offered a deal lower than Jackson’s expectations. However, after Jalen Hurts signed a five-year, $255 million deal, the Ravens upped their offer, eventually agreeing to a five-year, $260 million contract.
Why Did Lamar Jackson Hold Out for a Bigger Deal?
Jackson felt that, like Deshaun Watson’s $230 million contract with the Browns, he should have a fully guaranteed contract. However, because of long-term cap flexibility and injury concerns, teams were hesitant to make such commitments. Jackson ultimately agreed to a deal that was a compromise between his demands and the Ravens’ original offers: $185 million guaranteed.
Impact of Lamar Jackson’s Contract on the Ravens
Salary Cap Considerations
The Ravens had to carefully structure Jackson’s contract to ensure they could build a competitive roster. Here’s how his cap hit impacts the team:
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Year 1 (2023): Low cap hit due to signing bonus
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Years 2-5: Increasing cap hits, requiring smart roster management
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Flexibility for the Future: Structured to allow the Ravens to remain competitive
Roster Implications
With a massive QB contract, the Ravens must now find ways to maintain a championship-contending roster. Key strategies include:
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Building Through the Draft – The team needs to draft well to keep costs down.
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Signing Team-Friendly Deals – Veterans may take pay cuts to play with Jackson.
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Investing in Offensive Weapons – The Ravens signed Odell Beckham Jr. and drafted Zay Flowers to bolster the offense.
Can the Ravens Win a Super Bowl with Jackson’s Contract?
Despite Jackson’s massive contract, Baltimore remains a Super Bowl contender. If he stays healthy and continues his elite play, the Ravens have the talent to compete at the highest level.
Lamar Jackson’s Legacy and Future
What This Means for Future Quarterback Contracts
Jackson’s contract sets a precedent for future quarterback deals. Some players expected to sign record-breaking deals soon include:
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Joe Burrow (Bengals) – Likely to surpass Jackson’s deal
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Justin Herbert (Chargers) – Expected to be in the $250M+ range
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Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars, 2025) – May seek a Jackson-like deal if he continues to improve
Jackson’s Place Among NFL’s Highest Paid Players
With his contract, Jackson became the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time of signing. His deal reflects his value to the Ravens and cements his status as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
Can Jackson Deliver Another MVP Season?
If Jackson stays healthy and continues developing as a passer, another MVP season isn’t out of the question. With a better supporting cast and improved offensive scheme, he could take his game to another level.
Lamar Jackson’s Contract is a Game-Changer
Lamar Jackson’s contract is more than just a big payday—it’s a statement. He fought for the deal he believed he deserved, negotiated without an agent, and secured a record-breaking contract that will influence future quarterback negotiations.
For the Ravens, keeping Jackson ensures they remain competitive in the AFC. Now, the challenge is building a championship roster around him. If Jackson delivers a Super Bowl, this contract will go down as one of the best investments in franchise history.
