The Baltimore Ravens know Lamar Jackson remains the centerpiece of their franchise. But with training camp approaching, attention is once again shifting toward his contract. More specifically, a special provision in it.

Jackson still has two years left on the five-year deal he signed in 2023. Speaking on NFL Network, insider Tom Pelissero explained why Baltimore may not want to wait, with a tag not being an option in the future.

"He also has a no-tag clause, which means if he plays out 2026 and 2027, the Ravens can't restrict his movement,” Pelissero said. 

That clause gives Jackson uncommon leverage. If he reaches the end of his current contract, Baltimore cannot use the franchise tag to keep him off the open market. 

In the same episode of NFL Network on X, Pelissero added that Jackson could become an unrestricted free agent in 2028 if no extension is reached.

Pelissero also noted that the quarterback market continues to climb. With the next wave of young franchise quarterbacks becoming extension-eligible soon, Jackson's value could rise even further.

"The $60 million quarterback potentially becomes a $70 million quarterback with where the numbers are going,” Pelissero added.

In June, Patrick Mahomes' reworked $504.75 million extension with the Kansas City Chiefs became the NFL's first half-billion-dollar contract. The ripple effect could favor Jackson's positioning. Beginning in 2027, Mahomes' extension carries a staggering $64 million average value.

The insider explained that Jackson is also in a stronger negotiating position than he was during his last contract talks. He is scheduled to earn $52 million in each of the next two seasons, giving him little reason to rush into a new deal.

Baltimore wants to keep its franchise quarterback long term, but Jackson has shown before that he is willing to wait for terms he believes are fair.

The ongoing negotiations have become another storyline heading into the season. 

Lamar Jackson could have another major decision ahead

Another NFL insider sees the situation a little differently. In his annual training camp preview, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer pointed to Lamar Jackson's contract as one of the biggest storylines to watch this summer.

“The other quarterback negotiation (Baker Mayfield’s was the first) to keep an eye on, to me, would be Lamar Jackson’s,” Breer wrote.

Breer pointed out that Jackson still has two years and $104 million remaining on his current contract, leaving Baltimore with time but also creating a delicate situation.

He believes the Ravens are prepared to keep Jackson in Baltimore well into his 30s.

“My sense is the Ravens are ready to explore extending Jackson well into his 30s. But Jackson has to be ready to do that, too,” Breer added. 

Breer also highlighted the same no-tag provision that Pelissero discussed.

"The idea, with a no-tag clause in his contract, of hitting free agency in 2028 at 31 years old could be enticing to him,” Breer concluded.

That clause makes Jackson's situation different from most franchise quarterbacks. If the two sides cannot agree on another extension, the Ravens would have no way to prevent him from leaving.

With quarterback salaries continuing to climb, Baltimore may prefer to reach an agreement before Jackson's leverage grows even stronger.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote