Lamar Jackson vs Joe Burrow contracts: Which NFL quarterback earns more in 2026 (Image via Getty: Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow)
Lamar Jackson was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018 as their first-round, 32nd overall pick. He signed a four-year, $9 million rookie contract in June 2018 and won his first NFL Most Valuable Player award in 2019 [his second year]. In April 2021, the Baltimore Ravens exercised a $23 million option for 2022. Jackson won his second NFL Most Valuable Player award in 2023. The deal included a $72 million signing bonus, $185 million in guaranteed money, and an average annual salary of $52 million, making him the NFL’s highest-paid player by average annual salary at the time. In 2026, Jackson is scheduled to earn a $1.3 million base salary, a $49 million restructure bonus, and a $754,080 workout bonus. He carries a $34 million cap hit and a $109 million dead cap value in 2026. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2028, with 2027 serving as the final year of his 2023 blockbuster contract. The Louisiana State alum carries a $37 million cap hit and a $110 million dead cap value in 2026. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, with 2029 serving as the final year of his 2023 blockbuster contract.
Because of his dual-threat capability: elite passing production paired with exceptional rushing skills, he became the Baltimore Ravens’ central offensive identity. The massive blockbuster deal followed after Burrow emerged as one of the NFL’s premier pocket passers and led his team to Super Bowl LVI. Anyhow, Burrow’s massive contract speaks volumes about how passing production, leadership, and a team’s commitment to building around its franchise player highly influence quarterback value.