New Lamar Jackson Rumors Update Ravens Contract Extension Buzz Ahead of 2026 NFL Season

Lamar Jackson won't sign a last-minute contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens before the team's 2026 season begins on Sunday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter .

Jackson has been "reluctant" to negotiate a long-term extension "for whatever reason" despite the Ravens being willing to make him the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, per Schefter .

Jackson is currently under contract through 2027.

However, it's understandable that the Ravens may be motivated to finalize a new deal at the end of this year in order to avoid his $84.3 million cap hit during the 2027 season (via Spotrac ).

Schefter also reported Saturday that "no deal is expected anytime soon," though.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta previously said that he was "optimistic" about reaching a contract extension agreement with Jackson on Sept. 2, per ESPN's Jamison Hensley .

Despite the lack of an extension, a change of scenery for the two-time MVP doesn't appear to be on the horizon.

On Saturday, Jonathan Jones of The Athletic reported that the relationship between Jackson and the Ravens is the "healthiest it's been" while both sides have "every intention of continuing their work together for years to come."

Jackson has spent all eight seasons of his career in Baltimore, establishing himself as one of the league's top quarterbacks.

While injuries limited him to 13 games in 2025, he still completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 2,549 yards and 21 touchdowns compared to seven interceptions. He also rushed for 349 yards and two scores.

Jackson and the Ravens will face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.