The Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson won't agree on an extension before their first game of the season Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Jackson has been reluctant to discuss a potential new deal with Baltimore, and the two-time MVP has been more focused on the team's season opener, Schefter adds. The two sides also reportedly haven't held significant discussions recently, despite Baltimore's willingness to make him the league's highest-paid quarterback.
Jackson has two years remaining on a five-year, $260-million extension he signed in 2023. The deal was finalized after months of negotiations, which even led Jackson to request a trade due to the stalemate.
The 29-year-old's cap hit jumps to $84.3 million in 2027, according to Spotrac. The Ravens will likely need to strike a new deal with Lamar after the year to shed salary, as they're projected to be $41.5 million over the cap next campaign.
Jackson's current average annual salary of $52 million makes him the league's 12th highest-paid quarterback. Quarterbacks who currently make more than Jackson on a yearly basis include Baker Mayfield, Brock Purdy, and Trevor Lawrence.
The three-time first-team All-Pro is looking to rebound from a down season in which he threw for 2,549 yards with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Jackson also added just 349 yards on the ground, the fewest he's recorded in a single season since entering the NFL. Among 32 qualifying signal-callers in 2025, Jackson ranked 16th in success rate and 19th in EPA/dropback, according to TruMedia.
Baltimore will look to get back to the playoffs this year after missing the postseason for the first time since the 2021 campaign.
