Lamar Jackson: Everything you need to know

Jackson and the Ravens are in agreement on a restructured contract to add $40 million of cap space for 2026, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Some of that cap space will go to DE Trey Hendrickson, who agreed to a four-year contract with the Ravens shortly after they backed out of a trade for Raiders DE Maxx Crosby (knee). The series of events hasn't made Baltimore popular around the league, but it could work out well for Jackson if the Ravens now keep the 14th overall pick and use it on a blocker or pass catcher. Either way, a contract restructure gives the team more flexibility in the absence of an extension (which may still come later this offseason).

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said Tuesday that he's confident a new contract extension with Jackson will be finalized this offseason, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Jackson signed a five-year, $260 million contract extension with Baltimore in April of 2023, but with his cap hit set to jump to $74.5 million for 2026 and 2027, it's due time for both sides to agree to a new state of the union. Re-signing the franchise quarterback to a new long-term deal will start out the tenure of new head coach Jesse Minter on stable ground. After his career year in 2024, Jackson encountered multiple hurdles in 2025, most notably missing four regular-season games due to injury. He finished the year with a lackluster 2,549 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions after throwing for over 4,000 yards and a 41:4 TD:INT the year prior, while also having his rushing totals decline to just 349 yards and two scores on 67 carries. The Ravens' top priority this offseason will be to position Jackson to bounce back to MVP-worthy levels in 2026.

Jackson (back) completed 11 of 18 pass attempts for 238 yards, three touchdowns and one interception while taking four carries for nine yards in Sunday's 26-24 loss to the Steelers. Jackson performed valiantly after returning from a one-game absence due to injury, throwing three touchdown passes to give his team a shot at victory and the AFC North title on Sunday Night Football. Unfortunately for Jackson and the Ravens, his effort fell in vain after Tyler Loop shanked the potential game-winning field goal as time expired in regulation. Injuries plagued the dual-threat superstar's 2025 season, and he produced pedestrian passing totals (2,549 yards, 21 TDs and seven INTs) across 13 starts. The biggest drop in production came in the rushing department, as Jackson finished the campaign with a career-worst 67-349-2 rushing line. The 28-year-old remains under contract with Baltimore in 2026 and will look to return to his MVP form following an offseason of rest and recuperation.