NFL Execs Predict Lamar Jackson Trade Request

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson remains without a new contract extension following minicamp, according to Jason La Canfora. While Patrick Mahomes’ recent extension reset the market, NFL executives and agents tell La Canfora that Jackson may request a trade if negotiations with Baltimore continue to stall before the start of the season.

Why are Lamar Jackson and the Ravens struggling to reach a deal?

Baltimore and Jackson haven’t found common ground on a new agreement, according to Jason La Canfora. The Ravens expressed a desire to finalize a deal before free agency began in March, but that deadline passed without a signature.

Information remains scarce because both the team and Jackson, who represents himself without an agent, keep negotiations private.

Jackson is currently under contract through 2027. His cap hit for that final year is $84.3 million, and his current deal includes a no-tag clause before he hits unrestricted free agency in 2028.

Did You Know? Lamar Jackson represents himself in all contract negotiations rather than employing a professional agent.

What happens if a new extension isn’t signed?

Multiple NFL executives and agents expect Jackson to request a trade if talks drag on, La Canfora reports. The situation mirrors a previous standoff where Jackson sought a fully guaranteed contract and requested a trade before eventually signing a deal.

Lamar Jackson 'holds the cards' in contract situation with Ravens | Pro Football Talk | NFL on NBC

The stakes are high for the 2027 season. One longtime personnel executive told SportsBoom, “If he’s not signed by Week 1, I don’t think he’s back (in 2027).” The executive added that “something’s not right there” regarding the stalled talks.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the market reset triggered by Patrick Mahomes’ extension creates a complex benchmark for Jackson. With a massive $84.3 million cap hit looming in 2027, Baltimore faces a critical choice between paying a market-setting premium now or risking a trade request from a two-time MVP.

How does this compare to Jackson’s previous contracts?

Jackson’s current five-year, $260 million extension followed a period of volatility. In 2022, the Ravens used a $23 million fully guaranteed fifth-year option, and in 2023, they applied a $32.3 million non-exclusive franchise tag.

His early career began with a four-year, $9,471,652 contract as a 2018 first-round pick, which included a $5,968,472 signing bonus.

Under his current deal, Jackson is owed base salaries of $20.25 million, $51.25 million, and $51.25 million over the final three years. In 2025, he completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 13 games, while adding 349 rushing yards and two scores.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Lamar Jackson become an unrestricted free agent?
Jackson is scheduled for unrestricted free agency in 2028.

What was Lamar Jackson’s 2025 statistical performance?
In 13 games, he threw for 2,549 yards with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions, and rushed for 349 yards and two touchdowns.

Does Lamar Jackson have a no-tag clause?
Yes, according to the provided contract details, Jackson has a no-tag clause.

Should the Ravens prioritize a trade or continue negotiating with Jackson?