Are the Ravens and Lamar Jackson Headed for a Breakup? A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Baltimore Ravens are staring down a harsh reality as the 2025 season winds to a close. Once viewed as a perennial Super Bowl threat, the team now finds itself teetering on the edge of playoff elimination - and with it, possibly the end of the Lamar Jackson era in Baltimore.
Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP and face of the franchise since taking over as starter in 2019, hasn’t looked like himself this season. Injuries have taken their toll, and his on-field performance has mirrored the team’s overall struggles. The Ravens’ offense has sputtered, their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, and now, the front office is staring down a major financial decision that could reshape the future of the franchise.
The Contract Situation: A $74.5 Million Question
At the heart of the issue is Jackson’s contract. In 2026 and 2027, he’s set to count a staggering $74.5 million against the salary cap each year.
That’s not just a big number - it’s a roster-building challenge. While Jackson’s base salary for the next two years sits at $51.25 million annually, none of that money is guaranteed, giving Baltimore some flexibility.
But it also means a decision has to be made, and soon.
The most straightforward path would be to extend Jackson’s deal to lower that cap hit. But that’s not a small ask. Any new extension is expected to come in north of $60 million per year - a significant investment in a quarterback who, while immensely talented, has yet to deliver consistent postseason success.
The Trade Option: Risky, but Not Unthinkable
Here’s where things get interesting. While an extension is the logical route to manage the cap, the Ravens could also explore the trade market. Jackson has a no-trade clause, so he’d have a say in any potential move, but the idea of Baltimore moving on from its franchise quarterback isn’t as far-fetched as it once seemed.
Let’s be clear: the Ravens wouldn’t be upgrading at the position - there simply aren’t many quarterbacks better than Lamar Jackson. But with just three playoff wins under his belt and only one trip to the AFC Championship Game during his tenure, Baltimore’s postseason résumé under Jackson and head coach John Harbaugh has fallen short of expectations.
That lack of playoff success isn’t all on Jackson - far from it. Injuries, roster turnover, and tough matchups have all played a role.
But when you’re paying a quarterback top-tier money, the bar is higher. And right now, the Ravens are stuck in a holding pattern.
What a Trade Could Look Like
Even after a down year, Jackson would command a strong return on the trade market. Multiple high draft picks - including at least one first-rounder - would almost certainly be on the table. That kind of haul could help Baltimore retool quickly, especially if they decide to hit the reset button and build around a new quarterback.
Of course, that path comes with risk. Moving on from Jackson means starting over at the most important position in football.
It likely means a few lean years while the team rebuilds. But if the front office decides that a $60+ million annual extension isn’t the right move for the long-term health of the roster, they may have no choice but to consider it.
A Franchise at a Fork in the Road
This isn’t about whether Lamar Jackson is a good quarterback - he is. It’s about whether the Ravens believe he’s still the right quarterback to lead them to where they want to go. The cap situation forces their hand, and the results on the field haven’t provided the kind of clarity they were hoping for.
With the 2025 season winding down and the Ravens likely on the outside looking in come playoff time, the franchise is approaching a pivotal offseason. The quarterback carousel is already spinning across the league, and Baltimore may find itself unexpectedly in the mix.
For a team that’s been chasing a Super Bowl for the better part of a decade with Jackson at the helm, the next few months could define the next several years - one way or another.