Lamar

Jackson

Every Lamar Jackson contract negotiation seems to drag on forever because Lamar Jackson is his own agent. The Ravens would prefer not to restructure Jackson’s deal because it pushes more money into the 2027 season, potentially giving Jackson more leverage for the negotiation. The Ravens have talked about getting this extension done since before the 2025 season. This is essentially deadline time for Baltimore because they need the cap space to deal with 2026’s free agency class, especially impending free agent center Tyler Linderbaum, who may get $25 million a season. The Ravens have projected confidence that a deal will get done all offseason. Clock is ticking.

There’s an element of this answer that nods to an ideal world, because the times where he can run less are based on “if you build an offense that takes advantage of the under center, the downhill run game. Now that opens up a lot of boots and play actions.” But it’s not what fantasy football managers want to hear after last season’s scant 67/349/2 line while struggling through injuries. Entering his age-29 season, it wouldn’t be surprising if Jackson’s game evolved. It certainly sounds like his head coach would rather it evolve than not.

Jackson, slated to be a free agent after the 2027 NFL season, could re-up with the Ravens after being involved in the coaching search that ended with former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as Baltimore’s new head coach. During a press conference at the NFL Combine on Tuesday, DeCosta declined to discuss any details of a potential extension for Jackson, who in 2023 signed a five-year deal worth $260 million, with $185 million guaranteed. Jackson, 29, is looking to bounce back in 2026 after an injury-marred 2025 campaign in which the Ravens missed the playoffs.

There was a brief groundswell towards the end of the season about the Ravens possibly moving on from Jackson by the sourced men, but it doesn’t appear like the Ravens are heading in that direction if you listen to their owner. Bisciotti told the media that he “made it very clear” to Jackson that he wants to get an extension done before free agency. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta has also mentioned in this press conference the idea of extending Lamar and that cap space being used to sign some “big ticket” players. It sounds like Jackson — hopefully a healthier version of him — will be back in the black and purple next year.

Rapoport added that a new Baltimore head coach would ideally “reach” Jackson and “get the absolute most” out of the two-time NFL MVP. Jackson, who appeared checked out and low-effort at time in 2025, will remain the centerpiece of the Ravens offense in the aftermath of John Harbaugh’s firing after 18 years at the helm. There was reportedly a rift between Jackson and Harbaugh in the months leading up to Harbaugh’s dismissal. Jackson in 2025 saw a significant statistical drop off from his wildly efficient 2024 season. His passing success rate (46 percent) was the third lowest of his NFL career and he took a sack on 10.3 percent of his drop backs, the highest rate of his career.

Kingsbury, who mutually parted ways with the Commanders on Tuesday, will apparently have his choice of head coaching gigs, with the Titans and Giants lining up to interview him. Kingsbury would be an interesting fit with Lamar Jackson; he has plenty of experience coaching dual-threat QBs over his years in Arizona and Washington. Minter, meanwhile, would be the natural choice if the team is committed to getting back to its tough-nosed defensive roots. Wacker also mentioned Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, who would seem to be a long shot for the job.

Jackson’s mobility was (comparatively) limited, but for the most part, the 28-year-old was outstanding. He made several highlight-worthy throws; particularly a touchdown throw to Zay Flowers where he broke out of a sack and showed perfect touch on a a 64-yard touchdown. Unfortunately for him and the Ravens, Baltimore missed a last-second field goal, and there’ll be no playoffs for the 28-year-old. Jackson’s season was obviously hampered by injuries, but there were more than enough good moments to suggest he’s still an elite option at the position. Entering his age-29 season, Jackson’s looming contract situation has been predicted to be one of the biggest offseason storylines by a few agents. It’s hard to forecast his fantasy value without knowing all the variables, but we’re sure he’ll be one of the first few quarterbacks off the board in 2026 despite an injury-plagued ’25 season.

Jackson said he feels “great right now” and will wear extra padding in his back area on Sunday. The Ravens will just hope he can show them more of his 2024 form in his first game of the 2026 calendar year against the Steelers — a game they need to win to make the playoffs. Jackson practiced both Wednesday and Thursday. With some chance of re-injury, he’s likely a lower-end QB1 on the Week 18 slate.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter echoed Jamison Hensley’s belief that Jackson will be under center in Week 18. The Ravens (8-8) and Steelers (9-7) are competing for the AFC North crown and a ticket to the postseason. Jackson’s mobility was reportedly impeded by the back contusion he suffered in Week 16. Hopefully, that is no longer the case.

Jackson missed Week 17’s matchup with the Packers after suffering a back contusion against the Patriots in the previous week. While the 28-year-old quarterback’s absence was unfortunate for fantasy managers in the championship round of the playoffs, the Ravens still beat the Packers without Jackson, setting up a winner-take-all date with the Steelers this week. Rapoport said the Ravens thought Jackson would play last week, but he wasn’t even able to practice. Jackson practiced fully today, though. He has been given the day off on Thursday previously. Seeing him practice fully again tomorrow and Friday would be a very encouraging sign regarding his Week 18 outlook.