Lamar Jackson plays for the Baltimore Ravens. He's been the face of that franchise since they snagged him with the final pick of the first round back in 2018. If you’re asking because you saw a weird headline about a "Jackson" moving to a different city, you might be thinking of the other Lamar Jackson—the cornerback who just got drafted by the Orlando Storm in the UFL. But the MVP? The guy who makes professional defenders look like they’re wearing roller skates on ice? He’s a Raven through and through.
Honestly, it’s hard to imagine him in any other jersey. Since he took over for Joe Flacco mid-way through his rookie year, the entire city of Baltimore has basically rebuilt its identity around his dual-threat magic. You don’t just "replace" a guy who has two NFL MVP trophies and more quarterback rushing yards than anyone in the history of the game.
Right now, as we head into the 2026 offseason, the big talk isn't about where he's playing, but rather how much the Ravens are going to pay to keep the Super Bowl window open.
The Contract Drama: What Team Does Lamar Jackson Play For in 2026?
The short answer is still the Ravens. But the financial side is getting kinda messy. Jackson signed a massive five-year, $260 million deal back in 2023, which technically keeps him in Baltimore through the 2027 season. However, there’s a massive "cap spike" hitting right now.
In 2025, his cap hit was a manageable $43.5 million. This year? It’s scheduled to skyrocket to **$74.5 million**.
That is a staggering amount of money. It represents nearly 25% of the entire team's salary cap. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and GM Eric DeCosta aren't panicking, but they are working overtime. They’ve been very vocal about wanting to sign Lamar to another extension before free agency kicks off this spring.
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"We want another window, and Lamar knows that," Bisciotti said recently. Basically, they want to lower that $74 million hit by spreading the money out over more years, giving them the cash to go out and buy Lamar some more help on the offensive line.
If they don't reach a deal? He's still a Raven. They’ll just have to do some "cap gymnastics" by adding void years to his current contract, which is basically the NFL version of "put it on the credit card and worry about it later."
Why the "Lamar Jackson to Florida" Rumors Never Die
You’ve probably seen the clickbait. "Lamar Jackson returning home to Florida?" It happens every single year. Lamar grew up in Pompano Beach, and he’s still a hero down there. Fans of the Dolphins, Bucs, and Jaguars are constantly dreaming up trade scenarios.
But here’s the reality:
- The No-Trade Clause: Lamar’s contract has a no-trade clause. He literally has to say "yes" to any move, and he’s gone on record multiple times saying he’s "locked in" with Baltimore.
- The New Coach Factor: The Ravens just moved on from long-time coach John Harbaugh. Usually, a coaching change makes a superstar QB nervous. Instead, the Ravens are involving Lamar in the hiring process for the next head coach. That’s not what you do with a guy you’re planning to trade.
- The Stats Don't Lie: In 2024, Lamar didn't just run; he dominated the pocket. He led the league in passer rating (119.6) and set a franchise record with 41 passing touchdowns. You don't let a 29-year-old in his absolute prime walk out the door.
Breaking Down the "Other" Lamar Jackson
This is where people get confused. There is a cornerback also named Lamar Jackson. He’s played for the Jets, Bears, and Broncos. Just a few days ago, in January 2026, he was selected in the UFL Draft by the Orlando Storm.
If you see a headline saying "Lamar Jackson signs with Orlando," don't have a heart attack. The Ravens' QB isn't heading to the spring league. He's busy preparing for another deep playoff run in the AFC.
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What's Next for Number 8?
If you’re a Ravens fan—or a Lamar hater—expect more of the same. The team is currently hunting for a new head coach who can finally get them past the AFC Championship hurdle. Lamar is 29 years old, healthy (mostly), and playing the best football of his life.
The next few weeks are critical. Watch the news for a "restructure" or an "extension." Once that headline hits, the Ravens will have the cap space to re-sign their own free agents and maybe snag a big-name receiver.
Actionable Insights for Following the 2026 Offseason:
- Ignore the "Trade Request" Rumors: Unless it comes from Lamar himself or a Tier-1 insider like Schefter, it’s likely noise generated by the cap hit drama.
- Watch the Salary Cap: If the Ravens announce a contract extension, it’s a sign they are "going all in" for a 2026 Super Bowl run.
- Check the New HC Hire: The style of the new head coach will tell you everything about how Lamar will be used—whether they’ll keep the heavy rushing attack or lean even further into the 4,000-yard passing marks he hit recently.
Lamar Jackson is the Baltimore Ravens. For now, and for the foreseeable future, that’s the only answer that matters.