John Harbaugh of the Ravens Reveals a Bold Plan to Extend Lamar Jackson’s Contract

In the competitive world of the NFL, few things are more crucial to the long-term success of a franchise than having a quarterback who can not only lead the team on the field but also help define the organization’s identity. For the Baltimore Ravens, that quarterback is none other than Lamar Jackson, the dynamic dual-threat signal-caller who has reshaped the landscape of modern football.

Under the leadership of head coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens have become one of the league’s most competitive teams in recent years. With Jackson’s exceptional skills and undeniable talent, the Ravens have achieved success, but as his rookie contract nears its expiration, the team faces an important decision: how to secure Jackson’s future in Baltimore. Harbaugh’s bold vision for extending Jackson’s contract reflects both his faith in the quarterback’s abilities and the broader strategic goals of the organization.

Lamar Jackson: A Game-Changer for the Ravens

Lamar Jackson’s arrival in Baltimore in 2018 completely changed the trajectory of the franchise. A former Heisman Trophy winner at Louisville, Jackson entered the NFL as a polarizing figure. His unique style of play, combining electric speed with an improved passing game, was viewed as both a revolutionary and a risky proposition. However, Jackson quickly proved the skeptics wrong. In his first season as the starter, Jackson led the Ravens to the playoffs, winning an AFC North title and showcasing his impressive dual-threat capabilities.

His rise to prominence was swift, and by 2019, Jackson had cemented his place among the NFL elite. He won the NFL MVP award after leading the league in both touchdown passes and rushing yards, a feat no other quarterback in NFL history had ever accomplished. His electrifying style of play, which blended strong arm accuracy and breakaway speed, earned him widespread recognition as one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the game.

Despite a few postseason disappointments in the years following, Jackson’s individual accomplishments have been undeniable. He became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to win an MVP award, and in 2024, he finished as the runner-up for the MVP after another stellar season. His ability to turn games on their head with his legs and arm has made him one of the NFL’s most unique and valuable players.

The Contract Situation: Time for a Change

Lamar Jackson is currently in the final year of his rookie contract, which he signed with the Ravens in 2018. While the Ravens have picked up Jackson’s fifth-year option for the 2025 season, the question remains whether they will offer him an extension that reflects his worth and keeps him in Baltimore for the long haul.

Over the past few seasons, discussions surrounding Jackson’s contract have been somewhat contentious. Unlike many of his peers, Jackson represented himself in contract negotiations, making the process more complicated. Jackson has expressed his desire for a long-term extension that reflects his standing as one of the league’s top quarterbacks, but the negotiation process has been slow-moving.

Despite these hurdles, Jackson has remained committed to the Ravens. Harbaugh, who has been Jackson’s coach since his rookie season, has consistently praised Jackson’s leadership, work ethic, and on-field performance. He has always maintained that Jackson is the cornerstone of the franchise, and in recent comments, Harbaugh made it clear that the Ravens are ready to do whatever it takes to secure Jackson’s future in Baltimore.

John Harbaugh’s Bold Plan for Lamar Jackson’s Extension

At the NFL annual spring meeting in 2025, John Harbaugh revealed that the Ravens are prepared to extend Lamar Jackson’s contract and make him the highest-paid player in NFL history. This revelation sent shockwaves through the NFL world, as it highlighted not only Jackson’s importance to the Ravens but also Harbaugh’s unwavering confidence in his quarterback.

“I think when Lamar gets paid, he’s going to be the highest-paid player in football,” Harbaugh said. This statement is indicative of the Ravens’ commitment to their franchise quarterback. Harbaugh is not just speaking in platitudes here – he is clearly outlining the team’s plan to reward Jackson for his exceptional contributions to the team.

The Ravens’ willingness to make Jackson the highest-paid player in football is a bold move. It reflects the unique value that Jackson brings to the team and the franchise’s recognition of the impact he has had on the field. The Ravens have had success with Jackson under center, including multiple playoff appearances and an MVP-caliber performance, and the organization is prepared to compensate him accordingly.

The Contract Negotiations

While the exact terms of Jackson’s new contract are still under negotiation, it’s clear that Harbaugh and the Ravens are prepared to make Jackson one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. The previous highest-paid quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, signed a historic 10-year, $503 million extension with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020. Mahomes’ deal, which was structured to keep him with the Chiefs for the long term, is currently the benchmark for NFL contracts. However, given Jackson’s rising stature in the NFL, it is likely that his new deal will eclipse Mahomes’ contract in both total value and annual salary.

One of the key issues in Jackson’s contract negotiations has been the structure of his deal. Jackson, as an MVP and dual-threat quarterback, has proven that he can be a game-changer. However, there has been ongoing debate regarding the long-term viability of a running quarterback, particularly in terms of injury risk. Nonetheless, Jackson’s ability to adapt and improve as a passer, combined with his physical tools, has made him a rare talent that the Ravens are keen to secure for the future.

In an interview, Harbaugh spoke about how the team views Jackson as the “franchise player” and emphasized the importance of locking him up long-term. He said, “Lamar is the main part of that because he’s the franchise player. Everything that we’re doing is focused on him, and making sure he’s taken care of is our top priority.”

The Ravens are likely to offer Jackson a long-term contract that will keep him in Baltimore for the foreseeable future. The deal will likely include a large signing bonus, a high annual salary, and a structure that ensures Jackson’s compensation reflects his place as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks.

Strategic Implications for the Ravens

The Ravens’ decision to extend Jackson’s contract is not just about keeping their star quarterback in place. It is also about ensuring the future stability and success of the team as a whole. Harbaugh is keenly aware that securing Jackson’s future is integral to the Ravens’ long-term planning, particularly as they look to build around him with other key pieces.

Harbaugh recently acknowledged that Jackson’s extension would allow the Ravens to focus on other critical negotiations with free agents and key players. The Ravens have several important players who will be looking for new contracts in the coming years, including safety Kyle Hamilton, tight ends Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews, and several other key contributors.

By securing Jackson’s future first, the Ravens can free up resources to address these other contract negotiations and continue to build a competitive roster around their franchise quarterback. The team is committed to creating a balanced and well-rounded roster, and locking down Jackson will ensure that the Ravens can continue to compete at a high level for years to come.

The Broader Impact on the NFL

Lamar Jackson’s potential contract extension will have far-reaching consequences not just for the Ravens, but for the entire NFL. With Jackson potentially becoming the highest-paid player in NFL history, it will set a new precedent for future quarterback contracts. As the league continues to evolve, the importance of dual-threat quarterbacks like Jackson cannot be overstated.

Jackson’s style of play has already influenced the way many NFL teams view the quarterback position. His success as a dual-threat signal-caller has led to a shift in how quarterbacks are evaluated, with many teams placing greater emphasis on mobility and athleticism. As the market for quarterbacks continues to grow, Jackson’s extension will likely inspire other teams to prioritize similar contracts for their star quarterbacks, further reshaping the economics of the NFL.

A New Era for the Ravens

John Harbaugh’s bold plan to extend Lamar Jackson’s contract signals a new era for the Baltimore Ravens. The team’s commitment to Jackson is a testament to his talent, leadership, and importance to the franchise. With Harbaugh at the helm and Jackson leading the offense, the Ravens are well-positioned to remain a top contender in the NFL for the foreseeable future.

As the contract negotiations progress, one thing is certain: Lamar Jackson will remain the cornerstone of the Baltimore Ravens for years to come. And as Harbaugh stated, when Jackson gets paid, he will be the highest-paid player in football – a fitting reward for one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the history of the NFL.