Lamar Jackson, the two-time NFL MVP, is facing a ‘potentially’ season-ending thumb injury, and it’s hitting the Baltimore Ravens right when they need to sort out his massive contract. This isn’t just about a missed game or two. This is about an $84.3 million salary cap hit waiting in 2027 and another $42.47 million in void-year cap hits from 2028 to 2030, all tangled up with a team that’s currently sitting at 4-5. Talk about bad timing.
The Contract Cliff and What It Means for Baltimore
Despite all the drama, there’s still mutual interest between Jackson and the Ravens to stay together long term. NFL insider Jonathan Jones from The Athletic even said “there is no reason to believe” Jackson won’t be back next year, with the Ravens publicly declaring they “love him and want to keep him long term.” Sounds great, right? Except Jackson is only signed through 2027, and that $84.3 million cap hit for next season is a looming monster. On top of that, those void-year hits from 2028-2030 are just waiting to activate. The Ravens absolutely have to ink him to a new deal before the 2027 season kicks off. Why? Because it’s their only shot at restructuring things and getting some immediate cap relief. We’re talking about a 29-year-old, four-time Pro Bowler, three-time First Team All-Pro, and two-time NFL MVP who’s spent his entire nine-year career in Baltimore. You’d think a deal would already be done for a guy like that.
Injury Woes and Playoff Hopes Crushed
Here’s the brutal truth though: Jackson is a dynamic force *when healthy*, but that “when healthy” part has become a huge question mark. He missed four games last season and has been limited to just five games so far this season due to various injuries. This year, an ankle injury cost him three games. He finally returned against the Buffalo Bills last week, only to injure his thumb on the Ravens’ *first offensive play* of the game. Now he’s on injured reserve, and head coach Jesse Minter told reporters the injury was “potentially” season-ending. Ouch. If that’s the case, the 4-5 Ravens may be hard-pressed to make the playoffs, even after grabbing veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett from the Arizona Cardinals this week. This would mark their second consecutive season outside the playoffs, and it’s largely thanks to Jackson’s unavailability.
What’s Next for the Purple and Black?
Look, Jackson’s durability is obviously a massive factor the Ravens have to weigh. But let’s be real: there’s almost no chance they’re finding a better option any time soon. So, despite the cap chaos and the injury concerns, a new contract between Jackson and the Ravens still looks like the most realistic scenario. Now the question is: when do they actually get it done, and how does this latest injury affect the numbers? Baltimore fans are on edge, and we’ll be watching every move.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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