No Dak Prescott-Style Deal for Lamar Jackson in 2026 as Ravens Put Extension Talks on Hold

Lamar Jackson's contract extension is postponed until 2027.

No Dak Prescott-Style Deal for Lamar Jackson in 2026 as Ravens Put Extension Talks on Hold

Lamar Jackson (Image via IMAGO)

The Lamar Jackson camp experienced a setback days before the Baltimore Ravens’ week one fixture against the Indianapolis Colts. Jackson will not enter the 2026 season as the league’s highest-paid quarterback.

Since 2023, Jackson has earned about $54 million every year. There are only two more years left on his current deal. So, Jackson’s camp expected the Ravens to sign another extension. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted that Jackson has to wait until next year to earn his bag.

There will be no last-minute, buzzer-beating, day-of-the-opener lucrative contract extension for Ravens QB Lamar Jackson — the way there was for Cowboys QB Dak Prescott on opening day two years ago, per league sources. Any deal is on hold, likely until 2027.

Adam Schefter tweeted

In 2024, Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys shattered the previous record, making quarterback Dak Prescott the highest-paid player in football history. Jackson was touted to sign a $70 million per season, according to Pro Football Rumors. Yet no agreement appears to be close, and discussions are likely to start after the 2026 season.

Extending Jackson right now would have solved several cap issues for the Ravens. Per Over the Cap, Jackson’s salary cap number will rise to more than $84 million in 2027, which could limit roster flexibility. The Ravens are also expected to face salary cap pressure.

Earlier in the year, Ravens head coach Steve Bisciotti made it clear that he doesn’t want another lengthy contract standoff. Back in 2023, the Ravens placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson before signing him to a five-year contract worth $260 million with $185 million guaranteed.

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Lamar Jackson is not worried about a contract extension

2025 was a disaster for the Ravens. Jackson missed four games due to injury. Even when he played, the 29-year-old struggled to win games. He went 6-7 in the regular season, and the Ravens missed the playoffs.

No Dak Prescott-Style Deal for Lamar Jackson in 2026 as Ravens Put Extension Talks on Hold
Lamar Jackson (Image via IMAGO)

Jackson recently revealed that “winning it all” is how he would define a successful 2026. But his only goal right now is starting the season with a victory.

We talk about how to get there… That’s all it’s been. Each and every year, we never got there. It’s about getting there. But it starts Week 1. We can’t worry about February until we are actually there.

Lamar Jackson said

Jackson has established himself as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league alongside Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Matthew Stafford. Jackson boasts the second-best regular-season record as a starting quarterback at 76-31 (.710). However, he is 3-5 in the postseason. Jackson has won two league MVPs. He is also the only active MVP to have never played in a Super Bowl.

Buffalo Bills reporter Alex Brasky took a dig at Jackson by referring to his playoff record.

The Ravens open their 2026 NFL campaign on the road against the Indianapolis Colts. According to NBC Sports, the Ravens will start as 3.5-point favorites against the Colts.

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