Lamar Jackson is a human highlight reel. If you’ve watched a single Baltimore Ravens game over the last few years, you know the vibe. He makes professional defenders look like they’re wearing roller skates on an oil slick. But honestly, as we head into the 2026 offseason, the conversation has shifted. It’s no longer just about the "wow" plays or how many ankles he broke in the open field.
It’s about the math.
Right now, the Baltimore Ravens are staring down a $74.5 million cap hit for their star quarterback. That’s not a typo. It’s a massive, roster-clogging number that accounts for nearly a quarter of the team's projected salary cap. General Manager Eric DeCosta basically admitted in a recent press conference that this situation isn't sustainable if they want to keep the "nest egg" for other free agents.
The Reality of the Lamar Jackson Baltimore Ravens Era
The 2025 season was... weird. There’s no other way to put it. Lamar was electric at times, but he also dealt with a "nasty" back contusion that sidelined him during some crucial stretches. He finished the season with 2,549 passing yards and 21 touchdowns in 13 starts. Good? Yeah. MVP-level? Not quite like his historic 2024 run.
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In 2024, Lamar was untouchable. He threw for a career-high 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns. He literally rewrote the record books, becoming the first player ever to put up 4,000 passing yards and 900 rushing yards in a single season. If you think he’s just a "running back playing QB," those stats should have ended that debate forever. He led the league in passer rating ($119.6$). He won his third PFWA MVP.
But the "noise" never stops in Baltimore.
Why the John Harbaugh Firing Matters
You can't talk about Lamar Jackson Baltimore Ravens history without talking about the earthquake that just hit the organization: the firing of John Harbaugh. After nearly two decades, the Ravens decided to move on. Why? Because the regular season success hasn't translated to Super Bowl rings.
Lamar is $76-31$ as a starter in the regular season. That is a winning percentage most QBs would sell their souls for. But in the playoffs? The record is $6-7$. Critics like to point out that when the pressure reaches a boiling point, the offense sometimes stalls. Whether that's on Lamar, the coaching, or a receiving corps that has historically struggled to stay consistent is the million-dollar question. Actually, it's the 260-million-dollar question.
The Contract Deadlock
Back in 2023, Lamar signed that five-year, $260 million extension. It felt like the end of a long saga.
It wasn't.
Because of how the deal was structured, his cap hit is scheduled to jump from $43.5$ million to that terrifying $74.5$ million figure for 2026 and 2027. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has been pretty vocal lately about wanting to reach a new extension. He wants "another window." Basically, the team needs to lower that immediate cap hit so they can afford to keep guys like Zay Flowers and Derrick Henry or fix a defense that was—let’s be real—pretty disappointing in 2025.
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Lamar is currently 29 years old. He’s in his prime. But the physical toll of his playstyle is a real factor. He missed time in 2025. He missed time in 2021 and 2022. When he’s healthy, the Ravens are a top-five team. When he’s not, they look lost.
What People Get Wrong About Lamar’s Game
Most folks think Lamar wants to run every play. If you watch the film, especially from the Todd Monken era, that’s just not true. Lamar has turned into one of the most efficient pocket passers in the league. He tied the record for the most games with a perfect passer rating ($4$).
The problem is the "Superman" complex.
When the offensive line breaks down—and it did a lot in 2025—Lamar feels like he has to do everything himself. Sometimes it works and he hurdles a defender for a first down. Other times, he holds the ball too long, tries to force a big play, and takes a sack or throws a pick. It's a double-edged sword. You take the magic because it wins you 70% of your games, but you live with the frustration when the magic runs out in January.
What Happens Next?
The Ravens are at a crossroads. They basically chose Lamar over Harbaugh. Now, they have to find a coach who can build a system that maximizes Lamar's arm while keeping his legs fresh for the postseason.
If you're a fan or just following the league, here is what to watch for in the coming months:
- The Extension: Expect a "plug-in" deal that adds years to the end of his current contract but slashes that 2026 cap hit.
- The New Coach: Whoever takes the job needs to be someone Lamar trusts implicitly. The relationship between #8 and the head coach is the most important dynamic in that building.
- Roster Flexibility: If they don't fix the contract by March, the Ravens might have to let some key defenders walk.
Lamar Jackson is the most unique player of this generation. He’s the all-time leader in QB rushing yards ($6,522$ and counting). He’s a two-time MVP. But in Baltimore, the standard isn't just "great." It's "Championship."
To get back to the Super Bowl, the Ravens have to balance their books and their playing style. Lamar says he’s "locked in." He refuted the rumors about his work ethic and his late-night gaming. He wants to be in Baltimore. Now, the team just has to figure out how to pay for the rest of the roster around him.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep a close eye on the "legal tampering" period in March. If the Ravens haven't restructured or extended Lamar by then, it’s a sign that negotiations are getting sticky again. Also, watch the NFL Draft—specifically how the Ravens address the offensive line. Lamar can’t be "Superman" if he’s constantly running for his life before the play even develops. If they prioritize protection, it's a clear signal they are betting on Lamar's longevity as a passer.