Ravens Restructure Lamar Jackson's Contract, Creating Future Uncertainty

The move lowers Jackson's 2023 cap hit but raises it significantly in 2024, leaving the team in a difficult position if he decides to test free agency.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:35pm

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The Baltimore Ravens have restructured quarterback Lamar Jackson's contract, converting most of his base salary into a signing bonus and adding a void year to the deal. This move lowers Jackson's 2023 salary cap hit by nearly $40 million but raises it to almost $85 million in 2024. The restructure also means Jackson would be able to hit free agency in 2028 if he doesn't agree to a long-term extension with the team.

Why it matters

The Ravens have made re-signing Jackson a top priority, but contract negotiations have been contentious. Without an agent representing Jackson, the process has become more complicated. The restructured deal gives the Ravens short-term cap relief but creates a potential long-term problem if Jackson decides to test free agency in 2028 rather than sign an extension.

The details

The Ravens converted $49.95 million of Jackson's base salary into a signing bonus, leaving him with a $1.3 million base salary and a $750,000 workout bonus for 2023. This move added a void year to his contract, lowering his 2023 cap hit but significantly increasing it in 2024 to nearly $85 million. If Jackson leaves in free agency, the Ravens would be left with a significant dead cap charge.

  • The contract restructure was completed on March 13, 2026.
  • Jackson's current contract runs through the 2027 season.

The players

Lamar Jackson

The Ravens' starting quarterback, who is seeking a top-of-the-market contract extension but has yet to agree to a long-term deal with the team.

Eric DeCosta

The Ravens' general manager, who is tasked with negotiating a contract extension with Jackson before he can potentially test free agency in 2028.

John Harbaugh

The former Ravens head coach, who has departed the team, leaving a revamped defense under new coordinator Jesse Minter in place.

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What they’re saying

“The Ravens have made clear since last year they want to extend Lamar Jackson, which would allow them to keep pushing cap hits into the future. As of now, he is signed through 2027 and has a no-tag clause, meaning he would be able to hit free agency in 2028.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network Insider

What’s next

The Ravens will need to continue negotiations with Lamar Jackson in an effort to sign him to a long-term extension before he can potentially test free agency in 2028.

The takeaway

The Ravens' decision to restructure Lamar Jackson's contract creates a short-term cap benefit but a long-term risk if they are unable to reach a contract extension with the star quarterback. This move highlights the ongoing challenges in contract negotiations between Jackson and the team, and the pressure on GM Eric DeCosta to find a solution before the situation becomes untenable.