Lamar Jackson’s Uncertain Future in Baltimore: Cap Crunch, Injuries, and a Crucial Finish Ahead
Lamar Jackson’s 2025 season hasn’t gone the way many expected-and it’s not just about the stat sheet. Injuries have limited the Ravens’ star quarterback to just 12 games this year, and with Baltimore clinging to faint playoff hopes, the conversation around Jackson’s future is heating up fast.
Let’s be clear: Jackson is still one of the most dynamic players in the league when healthy. But with the Ravens sitting at 7-8, second in the AFC North behind the 9-6 Steelers, the margin for error is gone.
Baltimore needs to win out-starting with a road test at Lambeau Field against the Packers, followed by a showdown in Pittsburgh-and hope the Steelers drop both of their remaining games. That’s the only path to the postseason.
But beyond the playoff math, the Ravens face a much bigger question: What do they do with Lamar Jackson heading into next season?
The Cap Situation: A Tight Squeeze
Baltimore is staring down a significant financial challenge. The team reportedly needs to reduce its cap hit to $74.5 million for next season, and Jackson’s contract is a major part of that equation. That leaves the front office with two real options: extend Jackson-or trade him.
It’s a tough spot. Jackson is a two-time MVP, a face-of-the-franchise kind of player.
But he’s also coming off an injury-plagued season, and the Ravens haven’t been able to make a deep playoff run during his tenure. Since being drafted in 2018, Jackson and head coach John Harbaugh have just three playoff wins together.
That’s not nothing-but it’s also not the kind of postseason success that justifies a massive new extension without some serious thought.
The Numbers: A Step Back in 2025
Jackson’s production this season reflects the toll injuries have taken. He’s completed 63.7% of his passes for 2,311 yards, with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions. Solid numbers, but a clear drop-off from his 2024 campaign, when he threw for 4,172 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just four picks-falling just short of the MVP award, which went to Josh Allen.
This year, Jackson hasn’t had the same rhythm or explosiveness, and the offense has struggled to find consistency. Whether it’s the offensive line, the play-calling, or simply Jackson not being at 100%, the result is a Ravens team that’s fighting to stay alive in the playoff race and facing hard questions about its long-term direction.
Outside Voices Weigh In
The noise around Jackson’s future isn’t just coming from fans or media. Former NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco added fuel to the fire on social media, posting, “Come home if they don’t appreciate you 😤” on X. While that’s not a front-office decision-maker talking, it does reflect the growing sentiment that Jackson might be better off elsewhere-especially if the Ravens aren’t ready to make a long-term commitment.
A Possible Path Forward
According to ESPN insider Dan Graziano, the Ravens may still have a way to keep Jackson in Baltimore-though it won’t be cheap. Graziano noted that the team wouldn’t be able to replace Jackson with a better player, simply because there aren’t many (if any) better players available. But he also raised a fair point: Is a new extension north of $60 million per year the best way to build a championship-caliber roster?
That’s the dilemma Baltimore faces. Extend Jackson and commit to building around him, or explore a trade that could free up cap space and bring in assets for a reset. It’s a high-stakes decision, one that could define the franchise’s trajectory for the next five years.
The Road Ahead
For now, the focus shifts to Sunday’s must-win game at Lambeau Field. The Ravens need Jackson at his best, even if he’s not at full strength. If Baltimore can pull off back-to-back wins and get some help from Pittsburgh’s opponents, the playoff door could crack open.
But even if the Ravens sneak into the postseason, the bigger picture looms large. The cap situation isn’t going away. And neither are the questions about whether Lamar Jackson will be leading this team into 2026-or wearing a different uniform entirely.
The next two weeks will tell us a lot. Not just about the Ravens' playoff hopes-but about the future of one of the league’s most electric quarterbacks.