NFL Analysts Urge Ravens to Avoid Lowballing Lamar Jackson

Experts warn Baltimore not to penny-pinch on their star QB's contract extension

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:05pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric interpretation of a football player in motion, representing the complex challenge of building a complete team around a high-priced quarterback.Analysts argue the Ravens must pay Lamar Jackson handsomely to retain their dynamic quarterback and keep their offense firing on all cylinders.Baltimore Today

As the Baltimore Ravens negotiate a contract extension with two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, prominent NFL analysts are strongly advising the team not to lowball their franchise quarterback. Experts argue that Jackson is the driving force behind the Ravens' offense and worth every penny of a lucrative new deal, despite the challenges of building a complete roster around a high-priced QB.

Why it matters

The debate over how much salary cap space a team should dedicate to a single player is a constant issue in the NFL. However, when that player is as transformative as Lamar Jackson, analysts believe the Ravens have no choice but to pay him top dollar to keep their offense and team competitive.

The details

Analysts Kevin Clark and Ben Solak warned the Ravens not to ask Jackson to take a team-friendly discount, noting that the roster has more holes than previously thought and that Jackson's unique skillset is the only thing masking those deficiencies. They argued the Ravens cannot afford to lose their franchise QB, with Solak joking he would 'sell a kidney' to give Jackson as much money as possible.

  • The Ravens are currently negotiating a contract extension with Lamar Jackson.

The players

Lamar Jackson

A two-time NFL MVP who serves as the undeniable engine of the Baltimore Ravens' offense.

Kevin Clark

An NFL analyst who appeared on ESPN's 'Get Up' to discuss the Ravens' contract negotiations with Lamar Jackson.

Ben Solak

An NFL analyst who appeared on ESPN's 'Get Up' to discuss the Ravens' contract negotiations with Lamar Jackson.

Eric DeCosta

The general manager of the Baltimore Ravens.

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What they’re saying

“Imagine this Ravens team, which roster has more holes than we think, 'cause this time last year we're talking about a top five roster at minimum. We look at it now and we say I don't know, can't rush the passer, still got Trey Hendrickson who didn't solve all the problems. Got a couple other issues there like offensive line.”

— Kevin Clark, NFL Analyst

“If I'm Eric DeCosta, I run the Ravens, I'm selling a kidney to give Lamar Jackson another million dollars. I don't know how much a kidney costs these days, but I am doing whatever I can to give that guy as much money as possible.”

— Ben Solak, NFL Analyst

What’s next

The Ravens and Lamar Jackson will continue contract negotiations in the coming weeks, with the team needing to decide how much of their salary cap to allocate to their star quarterback.

The takeaway

Lamar Jackson is the heart and soul of the Ravens' offense, and NFL experts believe Baltimore cannot afford to lowball their franchise QB. While building a complete roster around a high-priced quarterback is challenging, the analysts argue Jackson's unique talents make him worth every penny of a lucrative extension.