When Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens finalized a new contract in the 2023 offseason, it sent shockwaves throughout the NFL. The deal ended months of speculation, back-and-forth media chatter, and intense negotiations that had fans and analysts alike on edge. Jackson, one of the most electrifying players in the league, had played out the final year of his rookie contract in 2022, leading to numerous questions about his future with the Ravens. Would he remain in Baltimore, or would he seek a fresh start with a new team?
Ultimately, Jackson and the Ravens were able to strike a deal that not only solidified his place as the team’s long-term quarterback but also set a new benchmark for contracts at his position. The details of Lamar Jackson’s contract are significant not only for what they reveal about his future but also for what they say about the changing landscape of the quarterback market in the NFL. Here’s a closer look at the key details of Lamar Jackson’s contract, including his salary and the years remaining on the deal.
### The Contract: A Historic Deal
On April 27, 2023, Jackson and the Ravens agreed to terms on a five-year contract extension worth a total of **$260 million**, making him the highest-paid player in the league at the time. The deal includes **$185 million in guaranteed money**, a figure that sets a new precedent for quarterbacks in the NFL. The contract’s structure ensures that Jackson is not only financially secure for the foreseeable future but also provides him with a level of flexibility in the coming years.
### Breakdown of Salary and Guarantees
The biggest talking point in Lamar Jackson’s new deal is undoubtedly the amount of guaranteed money. At **$185 million**, Jackson’s contract is among the richest in NFL history, trailing only Patrick Mahomes’ long-term deal with the Kansas City Chiefs (which was signed in 2020 and could potentially exceed $500 million with incentives). However, Jackson’s $185 million in guarantees represents a massive commitment from the Ravens, showing just how highly they value the 26-year-old quarterback.
In terms of salary, Jackson’s **average annual value (AAV)** on the contract is **$52 million**, making him the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL at the time of signing. This is a significant leap from the previous benchmark, which was held by Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, whose AAV is just under $45 million. The increase in salary reflects not only Jackson’s exceptional on-field performance but also his position as one of the most dynamic and electrifying players in the league. As a former MVP and dual-threat quarterback, Jackson’s skill set is invaluable, and his contract reflects the Ravens’ commitment to him as the centerpiece of their offense.
### Year-by-Year Breakdown
While the overall value of the contract is eye-catching, the finer details of Lamar Jackson’s deal reveal an intriguing structure that has implications for both his future with the Ravens and his salary cap hit.
– **2023 Season**: In the first year of his extension, Jackson’s **base salary is $1.5 million**, which is significantly lower than what he could have commanded had he played under a traditional franchise tag. However, the low base salary is offset by a **signing bonus of $65 million**, which is paid out immediately upon signing the contract. This signing bonus is spread out over the life of the contract to help minimize the cap hit in the early years. In total, Jackson’s **2023 salary cap hit is $22.3 million**.
– **2024 Season**: The following year, Jackson’s **base salary jumps to $25 million**, and his **salary cap hit increases to $34.5 million**. While the cap hit rises significantly, the Ravens will have the flexibility to restructure the deal down the line if necessary.
– **2025 Season**: Jackson’s **base salary for 2025 is $30 million**, and his cap hit is projected to reach $38 million. At this point, the Ravens will likely begin to see a more typical contract structure, with Jackson earning a substantial amount each year. However, the high base salary might also give the team an opportunity to revisit the contract if it needs to adjust his cap hit for roster construction purposes.
– **2026 and Beyond**: The final years of the deal see Jackson’s salary continue to increase incrementally. His **base salary for 2026 is $40 million**, with his **cap hit rising to $42 million**. By 2027, the final year of his contract, Jackson is scheduled to earn **$45 million in base salary**, with his cap hit potentially reaching **$46 million**.
The Ravens will likely have some decisions to make as the contract progresses, particularly as Jackson’s salary increases significantly in the later years. That said, the flexibility built into the deal ensures that Baltimore has the ability to restructure the contract if necessary to create additional cap space.
### Contract Implications and Future Considerations
One of the most important aspects of Lamar Jackson’s contract is the way it’s structured to allow for flexibility both for the player and the team. The deal provides Jackson with a significant amount of guaranteed money up front, offering him financial security while allowing him to continue earning more in the later years of the contract. From the Ravens’ perspective, the structure provides flexibility to rework the deal as Jackson’s career progresses.
Another key point of interest in Jackson’s contract is its **lack of a no-trade clause**. Unlike some other mega-deals signed by quarterbacks in the past, Jackson’s contract does not prevent the Ravens from trading him if they choose to do so. While the likelihood of a trade seems low given Jackson’s importance to the team, the absence of a no-trade clause could leave the door open for potential moves if Baltimore finds itself in a situation where it’s no longer feasible to keep him long-term.
The contract also aligns with Jackson’s long-term career goals. At 26, he is entering the prime years of his career, and the extension ensures that he will remain the Ravens’ starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. The team’s investment in him reflects its belief that Jackson is capable of leading them to a Super Bowl victory and that he is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league.
### What’s Next for Lamar Jackson?
Now that Jackson is secured with the Ravens for the next several years, the question becomes: what’s next for the former MVP? From a personal standpoint, the contract ensures Jackson’s financial future and provides him with the security to focus on his performance on the field. He is entering the 2023 season with the goal of getting the Ravens back into Super Bowl contention, and with the revamped offense under new coordinator Todd Monken, there is optimism in Baltimore that Jackson can continue to grow as a passer while maintaining his unique ability to make plays with his legs.
The deal also signifies that Jackson’s relationship with the Ravens is on solid ground. The drama surrounding his contract situation has finally been put to rest, and now both Jackson and the team can focus on what matters most: winning football games.
For Jackson, this contract gives him a platform to solidify his legacy in Baltimore and the NFL as a whole. With the kind of playmaking ability he possesses, coupled with the stability provided by his long-term deal, Jackson is poised to leave a lasting impact on the league — and the Ravens’ franchise — for years to come.
### Conclusion
Lamar Jackson’s new contract with the Baltimore Ravens is a historic deal that not only reflects his exceptional talent but also provides the team with the stability it needs at the quarterback position. With **$260 million over five years** and **$185 million guaranteed**, Jackson is poised to be the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future. As his salary continues to rise over the life of the contract, both Jackson and the Ravens will have the flexibility to adapt the deal as needed to ensure continued success on the field. With this new agreement in place, Jackson has the opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in NFL history while leading Baltimore into the next era of football.