The Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson have not been able to come to terms on a long-term deal, and now the two-time MVP winner faces a huge 2026 season.
Why? ESPN's Louis Riddick detailed that Jackson's cap hit goes from $34 million in 2026 to $84 million in 2027, so that isn't a number that the Ravens can work with while trying to build a roster capable of winning a Super Bowl.
Riddick doesn't think it's out of the question that Baltimore moves on from Lamar if the franchise can't agree to a long-term deal.
Then, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. gave his thoughts on the situation and stated that if things don't go well for Jackson and the Ravens in 2026, the team might look to draft a quarterback next offseason.
"I do think in 2027, if things don't go well, the Ravens will draft a quarterback in round 1," Kiper Jr. said on ESPN's GetUp.
More: ESPN hints at $80 million Lamar Jackson problem for Ravens
Ravens couldn't move on from Lamar, could they?
Well, it certainly seems like if the Ravens can't get Jackson's cap number down via a contract extension, that is on the table.
Moving on from a two-time MVP winner in his prime isn't an ideal avenue to go down, but the team is bigger than any one player, even if that player is Lamar Jackson.
Having an $84 million cap hit will stop the Ravens from being able to attract free agents next season, so Baltimore could have a decision to make if things go south in 2026 and there's no new deal.
We are watching this space intently.
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