Ravens Could Look to Draft Lamar Jackson's Replacement

The Baltimore Ravens may need to find a new quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:08pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp, overlapping shapes in the Ravens' team colors of purple, black, and gold, conceptually representing the team's complex quarterback situation.A cubist interpretation of the Ravens' quarterback situation captures the team's need to find a long-term solution at the position.Las Vegas Today

The Baltimore Ravens could be looking to draft a quarterback to potentially replace Lamar Jackson as early as the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN's Mel Kiper speculated that 2026 could be Jackson's last season in Baltimore if things don't go well under the team's new coaching staff, and the quarterback's cap hit is set to skyrocket from $34 million to $84 million in 2027. The Ravens have 11 draft picks in 2026, which should give them ample opportunity to find Jackson's successor.

Why it matters

Lamar Jackson has been a dynamic player for the Ravens, winning two NFL MVP awards. However, his playoff performance has been inconsistent, and the team may need to make a difficult decision on his long-term future if he continues to struggle in the postseason. Drafting a potential replacement in 2026 would allow the Ravens to transition to a new quarterback while Jackson is still under contract.

The details

ESPN's Mel Kiper recently speculated that 2026 could be Lamar Jackson's last season in Baltimore if things don't go well under the team's new head coach Jesse Minter and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Jackson's cap hit is set to increase from $34 million to $84 million in 2027, which could be a 'Super Bowl eliminator' according to analyst Colin Cowherd. The Ravens currently have 11 draft picks in 2026, which should give them the resources to find Jackson's replacement in that year's draft.

  • Lamar Jackson's cap hit is set to increase from $34 million to $84 million in 2027.
  • ESPN's Mel Kiper speculated that 2026 could be Jackson's last season in Baltimore.

The players

Lamar Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens' starting quarterback, who has won two NFL MVP awards but has struggled in the playoffs.

Jesse Minter

The Baltimore Ravens' new head coach, who will be tasked with getting the most out of Lamar Jackson in the 2026 season.

Declan Doyle

The Baltimore Ravens' new offensive coordinator, who will be working with Lamar Jackson and the team's offense in the 2026 season.

Colin Cowherd

An ESPN analyst who suggested that Lamar Jackson's $84 million cap hit in 2027 could be a 'Super Bowl eliminator' for the Ravens.

Mel Kiper

An ESPN analyst who speculated that 2026 could be Lamar Jackson's last season in Baltimore.

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What they’re saying

“So seven of the top eight quarterback cap hits missed the playoffs last season. I couldn't pay Lamar Jackson 84 million. I don't know.”

— Colin Cowherd, ESPN Analyst

“Lamar has been okay in the playoffs, but he's so good in the regular season. And then you look at his playoff numbers, and it kind of gets into a Case Keenum category.”

— Colin Cowherd, ESPN Analyst

“2026 could be Lamar Jackson's last season in Baltimore if things don't go well under first-year head coach Jesse Minter and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.”

— Mel Kiper, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Ravens will need to closely evaluate Lamar Jackson's performance in the 2026 season and determine if he is still the long-term answer at quarterback. If not, they will likely use their 11 draft picks in 2026 to find his replacement.

The takeaway

The Ravens face a difficult decision on Lamar Jackson's future, as his massive $84 million cap hit in 2027 could force the team to move on from the former MVP. Drafting a potential replacement in 2026 would allow Baltimore to transition to a new quarterback while Jackson is still under contract, ensuring a smoother handoff of the franchise's most important position.