The Baltimore Ravens got absolutely hammered in Week 8. A crushing loss to the Buffalo Bills was bad enough, but then came the brutal news: franchise QB Lamar Jackson is likely done for the entire season. This is a gut punch, not only because their roster is aging and they needed him this year, but because ESPN’s Dan Graziano says the Ravens might “have to” consider trading Jackson this upcoming offseason if they can’t get an extension done. The problem? Jackson has a full no-trade clause, and that makes everything a whole lot messier.
The $84 Million Hammer That’s About to Drop
Forget the immediate pain of the injury, because the real headache for Baltimore is already brewing for 2027. Lamar is set to carry a mind-blowing $84 million cap hit for that season. That kind of money needs adjusting, big time. An extension is the dream, right? Keep him in Baltimore, spread that money out. But his latest injury this season, on top of past injury issues, makes him a risky long-term bet, according to reports. This makes the Ravens’ choice “more questionable” about keeping him in the long run.
Jackson Holds ALL The Cards
Here’s where it gets wild: Jackson has a full no-trade clause. Full. As in, the Ravens can’t send him anywhere without his say-so. He holds all the cards. Graziano put it plainly, “Yeah, if they get to next spring and still can’t get a deal done, they are simply going to have to consider trading him.” Baltimore desperately needs financial relief from that $84 million monster cap hit in 2027, so either an extension or a trade is a must for them. But since Jackson controls both his contract demands AND any potential trade destination, the Ravens are in a serious bind. They either pony up what he wants, or they find a team *he* wants to go to.
Otherwise, the Ravens face the nightmare scenario: losing their superstar QB for absolutely nothing in free agency. This ain’t just a tricky situation, folks. This is THE storyline to watch this upcoming offseason. Lamar Jackson’s future in Baltimore is a huge question mark, and his no-trade clause is exactly why the Ravens are backed into a corner right now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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