The Baltimore Ravens endured one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory in 2025, finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs entirely after entering the year as Super Bowl favourites. Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP, threw for 2,311 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions, but injuries limited him to just 14 games.
Ravens lost their regular season finale to Pittsburgh 26-24 on a missed field goal as time expired. Owner Steve Bisciotti responded by firing head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons and hiring Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as his replacement on January 22.
Now, with Jackson carrying a$74.5 million cap hit into 2026, contract talks have become the organization’s most pressing priority. One name has unexpectedly entered the conversation as a potential solution, free agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill, freshly released by the Miami Dolphins after an injury-plagued 2025 campaign.
Mike Florio Suggests Tyreek Hill Could Unlock Lamar Jackson Contract Talks
Pro Football Talk analyst Mike Florio has argued that the Ravens could use a potential signing of Hill as a tool to move Jackson toward finalising a new contract extension before the March free agency window opens.
Florio pointed to a proven Ravens strategy. In April 2023, during tense extension negotiations with Jackson, who had formally requested a trade just weeks earlier, Baltimore signed three-time Pro Bowler Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year deal with $15 million guaranteed, a figure no other team matched. Jackson signed his historic five-year, $260 million extension shortly after.
How Signing Tyreek Hill Could End Ravens Lamar Jackson's Contract Drama
How Signing Tyreek Hill Could End Ravens Lamar Jackson’s Contract Drama (Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images)
Florio sees the same playbook unfolding now. With Hill available at a potentially reduced price, pairing him with Jackson could transform Baltimore’s passing offense alongside Zay Flowers. “Maybe adding Tyreek Hill is the thing that gets Lamar Jackson to sign the contract the Ravens would have on the table in lieu of pushing for something more,” Floriosaid on air.
Jackson, 29, has expressed a desire to remain in Baltimore long-term, and GM Eric DeCosta confirmed extension talks are active. But before the Ravens fully commit to this plan, Hill’s physical condition raises serious questions.
Can Tyreek Hill’s Health Support Baltimore’s Gamble?
The biggest concern surrounding Hill is the severity of his 2025 injury. He suffered a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments, including an ACL tear, in Week 4 against the New York Jets, limiting him to just four games all season. Dr. David Chao, a former San Diego Chargers team physician,posted on X that the damage falls into the “career-threatening category,” adding that Hill is unlikely to return until late 2026 and may still require additional surgery.
For the Ravens, signing Hill at this risk demands careful contract structure. DeCosta would almost certainly include heavy performance incentives and a low base guarantee to protect the franchise financially. New offensive coordinator Declan Doyle would also need to build his system with Hill’s uncertain availability in mind.
Owner Bisciotti hasmade clear he wants Jackson’s extension finalized before free agency opens. If Hill’s presence signals genuine commitment from the front office, it could tip the balance in contract talks. But if his health fails to hold, the Ravens risk a costly distraction at the worst possible moment.
Ravens are pushing hard to lock Jackson long-term and reclaim the AFC North. Whether Hill becomes the bold statement that closes the deal, or an expensive gamble that backfires, the Ravens’ next move will define this franchise heading into 2026.