Lamar Jackson(Image via Getty Images)
Baltimore’s 36-10 loss to Buffalo was damaging enough, but Jackson’s injury made matters considerably worse. They currently sit at 4-4 and need stability at the quarterback position as they attempt to rescue their campaign. Jackson’s projected cap figure of $84.34 million for 2027 would create a significant challenge for the franchise unless both sides reach an agreement on a new contract.
“Jackson’s projected salary cap number for 2027 is $84.34M, which means the Ravens probably will want to extend him to knock down that number. Because jackson has shown little interest in discussing another extension, the contract situation is particularly complicated. Jackson’s contract also has a no-trade clause, which means he’d get to decide where he goes.
“If — and this is still a big ‘if’ at this point — this is a season-ending injury, then the Ravens and Jackson will head into a pivotal, potentially cataclysmic offseason,” Graziano wrote in the piece. The Baltimore Ravens could be approaching a crossroads with Lamar Jackson , and the latest injury setback has made an already uncertain situation even more complicated. The two-time NFL MVP suffered a thumb injury to his throwing hand during Sunday’s crushing defeat to the Buffalo Bills. With surgery now required and his season potentially over, questions about his long-term future in Baltimore are growing louder. What once looked like another opportunity for the Ravens to build around their franchise quarterback could turn into a major offseason decision. The quarterback hurt his throwing-hand thumb during the game and could miss the remainder of the season following surgery. The timing could hardly be worse for the Ravens. However, the bigger concern may be what happens after the season. ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes a separation between Jackson and Baltimore is now a genuine possibility rather than an exaggerated prediction. That financial situation could force Baltimore into a difficult position. Graziano also explained why a potential trade cannot be dismissed. “But Jackson isn’t interested in talking an extension — as was the case this past offseason — so the Ravens will have a decision to make. And if they don’t feel comfortable heading into the final year of Jackson’s deal without an extension in place, we are going to hear legitimate talk of Jackson being traded. The no-trade clause gives Jackson significant control over any potential move. Baltimore could explore a trade, but the quarterback would have a say in his destination. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
That reluctance could leave the Ravens weighing a difficult choice if they cannot secure his future before the final year of his current deal.
A split is far from confirmed, and much will depend on Jackson’s recovery and the discussions that follow. Now, his injury, contract position and the team’s disappointing results have changed the conversation. Still, Baltimore faces an offseason that could define the franchise for years. Its biggest question may no longer be how to build around Jackson, but whether he will remain its quarterback. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
The Ravens had previously appeared keen to secure Jackson with another major extension.