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Jackson Deal with Ravens Unlikely Before Season Start, Sources Say
Confirmed
In Short: Sources indicate that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will not have a new contract finalized before the start of the NFL season.
Lamar Jackson is set to enter the final year of his five-year, $260 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, but a new contract is unlikely to be agreed upon before the start of the season, according to sources. General manager Eric Decosta expressed optimism about reaching a deal, but the Ravens face a cap hit of $84.3 million in 2027, necessitating a new agreement. Jackson, who represents himself, is not expected to negotiate during the season, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Jackson's relationship with the Ravens is reportedly the healthiest it has ever been, according to Jonathan Jones of The Athletic. However, the possibility of a bad season for the Ravens could complicate negotiations. Reports suggest that there is very little chance of a last-minute, lucrative contract extension, similar to what happened with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott two years ago. Sources indicate that Jackson and the Ravens are both eager to reach an agreement, but the timing remains uncertain.
The Ravens' optimism is tempered by the financial constraints of the upcoming season. With a cap hit of $84.3 million in 2027, the Ravens need to finalize a new deal with Jackson before the start of the league's new year. This financial pressure adds urgency to the negotiations, despite the positive relationship between the player and the team. Jackson's agentless status further complicates the process, as he cannot negotiate during the season.
In related NFL news, running back David Montgomery, who signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Chicago Bears, is performing well. Montgomery rushed for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, setting career highs. His performance has been bolstered by the Bears' strong rushing attack, which averaged 144.5 rushing yards per game last season. Montgomery's success is a testament to his skill and the Bears' offensive strategy.
Meanwhile, in the English Premier League, Manchester United's Benjamin Sesko is optimistic about his future with the club. After overcoming injury issues, Sesko believes his shin is "perfect" and is feeling more confident for the upcoming season. The Slovenian forward scored 12 goals in his first season at United, following a £66 million move from RB Leipzig. His positive outlook is a sign of his growing confidence and the club's patience in bringing him back into action.
What's confirmed
- Lamar Jackson is set to enter the final year of his five-year, $260 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, but a new contract is unlikely to be agreed upon before the start of the season, according to sources. General manager Eric Decosta expressed optimism about reaching a deal, but the Ravens face a cap hit of $84.3 million in 2027, necessitating a new agreement. Jackson, who represents himself, is not expected to negotiate during the season, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
- Jackson's relationship with the Ravens is reportedly the healthiest it has ever been, according to Jonathan Jones of The Athletic. However, the possibility of a bad season for the Ravens could complicate negotiations. Reports suggest that there is very little chance of a last-minute, lucrative contract extension, similar to what happened with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott two years ago. Sources indicate that Jackson and the Ravens are both eager to reach an agreement, but the timing remains uncertain.
- The Ravens' optimism is tempered by the financial constraints of the upcoming season. With a cap hit of $84.3 million in 2027, the Ravens need to finalize a new deal with Jackson before the start of the league's new year. This financial pressure adds urgency to the negotiations, despite the positive relationship between the player and the team. Jackson's agentless status further complicates the process, as he cannot negotiate during the season.
- In related NFL news, running back David Montgomery, who signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Chicago Bears, is performing well. Montgomery rushed for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, setting career highs. His performance has been bolstered by the Bears' strong rushing attack, which averaged 144.5 rushing yards per game last season. Montgomery's success is a testament to his skill and the Bears' offensive strategy.
- Meanwhile, in the English Premier League, Manchester United's Benjamin Sesko is optimistic about his future with the club. After overcoming injury issues, Sesko believes his shin is "perfect" and is feeling more confident for the upcoming season. The Slovenian forward scored 12 goals in his first season at United, following a £66 million move from RB Leipzig. His positive outlook is a sign of his growing confidence and the club's patience in bringing him back into action.
What's still developing
- The deal includes $27.5 million guaranteed, with the $11.25 million average annual value putting Swift 14th among NFL running backs.
- Swift, a 2023 Pro Bowler with the Philadelphia Eagles, has rushed for 1,023.0 yards and 7.5 touchdowns per season with the Bears from 2024-25, while also tallying 342.5 receiving yards per season over that span.
- The 27-year-old running back spent the first three seasons of his NFL career with the Detroit Lions (2020-22), who selected him with the No.
- Swift and the Bears open the 2026 regular season on the road against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon (1 p.m.
- Sesko had come off the bench in United’s previous three matches, as they tried to ease him into action after sitting out much of pre-season, and Slovenian believes the patient approach has worked.
- It was shin.” Sesko also missed the end of his first campaign at Old Trafford with his shin issue and he explained: “I got a kick last season, but it was also a little bit of an overload from myself.
- Adam Schefter recently came out with a report for ESPN, in which he revealed there is very little chance of a deal happening anytime soon.