Lamar Jackson Contract: Salary, Guarantees & Key Terms

In 2023, Lamar Jackson, the Ravens' star QB, inked a huge long-term deal. It changed how much NFL quarterbacks were getting paid back then.

Here's a breakdown of his current contract, including his earnings, guarantees, and what it means for the future.

1. Contract Overview: 5 Years, $260 Million

In April 2023, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens reached a deal on a five-year contract extension. It's estimated to be worth around $260 million.

• Total value: ~$260 million

• Term: 5 years

• Guaranteed money: ~$185 million

• Signing bonus: ~$72.5 million

• Average annual value (AAV): ~$52 million per year

When Jackson signed, he had the highest average yearly pay in the NFL. Of course, other players have signed new deals since then, changing who's at the top.

2. Guaranteed Money & Signing Bonus

Jackson has a lot of guaranteed money in his deal:

• Guaranteed money: ~$185 million

• Signing bonus: ~$72.5 million (paid upfront and prorated for cap purposes)

These guarantees ensure he gets paid, even if he gets hurt or the team lets him go early.

3. Year-by-Year Salary & Cap Hits

Jackson's contract is set up so his salary cap number gets much bigger in the later years.

The last two years of his contract will cost the Ravens more against the cap, which could be tough. That's likely why there's been talk about reworking his deal.

4. Contract Features & Clauses

No-Trade Clause

Jackson's contract has a no-trade clause, so the Ravens can't trade him unless he agrees.

Franchise/Transition Restrictions

This agreement prevents the Ravens from tagging him as a franchise or transition player when the contract ends, something that might change how future deals are worked out.

5. Where Jackson’s Contract Ranks Today

• When Jackson signed in 2023, his contract made him the highest-paid player in the NFL based on average annual value.

• With recent quarterback deals like those of Dak Prescott and Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson's $52 million average annual salary now places him just inside the top 10 highest-paid QBs in the league.

Even so, he still has one of the most expensive quarterback deals in the league.

6. Future Outlook & Extension Talks

The Ravens are thinking about giving Lamar Jackson a new deal. This is because they want to free up some cap space with those big hits coming in 2026 and 2027, and changing his contract might do the trick.

Jackson is said to be playing a central role in talks about his contract, which could mean a better deal for him.

7. What This Contract Means for the Ravens

Jackson's Deal: A Quick Look

• Keeps our star quarterback in Baltimore for the long haul.

• It protects both the player and the team.

• Keeping other important players will depend on managing the salary cap well.

• This move makes him the main focus of the team's roster and financial strategy.

Teams usually redo big QB contracts when the large cap hits start to kick in, and that could happen with Jackson soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Lamar Jackson under contract through 2027?

   Yes, his contract lasts until the 2027 season unless there's an extension.

   
   

2. How much is Jackson’s signing bonus?

   Around $72.5 million that's one of the biggest deals ever in the NFL.

   
   

3. Can Lamar be traded?

   He has a no-trade clause, so he'd have to agree to any trade.

   
   

4. Why does his cap hit spike in 2026?

   The contract gives bigger bonuses at the start, but salaries get higher later on, which means the cap hits more later in the deal.

Final Thoughts

Lamar Jackson's contract matters a lot in the NFL. It impacts how the Baltimore Ravens handle their money, and it also affects the quarterback market across the league.

The big guaranteed money, huge signing bonus, and how it will affect the team's budget later on mean this deal will change how teams build their rosters and plan for the future.