From CBS Sports · · 2m
Lamar Jackson's Contract Crisis
Lamar Jackson's thumb injury threatens his Baltimore Ravens future with a $84.34 million cap hit.
In brief
Lamar Jackson's thumb injury threatens his Baltimore Ravens future with a $84.34 million cap hit. Lamar Jackson's thumb injury could end his 2026 season, leaving him with a $84.34 million cap hit and no-trade clause. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Jackson's thumb injury
Lamar Jackson injured his thumb during Sunday's 36-10 loss to the Bills, ending his three-game absence after a high ankle sprain.
“Lamar Jackson's return against the Buffalo Bills from a three-game absence after a high ankle sprain was very short-lived, one offensive play, to be exact.”
Jackson placed on injured reserve
Jackson is out indefinitely after being placed on injured reserve as his right thumb requires surgery.
“Jackson is out indefinitely after being placed on injured reserve as his right thumb requires surgery.”
Contract details
Jackson is in the fourth year of a five-year deal with $52 million per year after being designated as a non-exclusive franchise player.
“Jackson is in the fourth year of a five-year deal that made him the NFL's highest-paid player at the time, with $52 million per year after being designated as a non-exclusive franchise player.”
2027 cap hit
Jackson's contract has a $84.34 million cap hit, the second-highest in 2027 behind Patrick Mahomes' $90.35 million.
“The $84.34 million cap hit is untenable. It is 2027's second-highest number behind Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' $90.35 million.”
Ravens' cap situation
The Ravens have an NFL-high $366.74 million in 2027 cap commitments with 45 players under contract and $1.4 million in 2026 cap space.
“The Ravens have an NFL-high $366.74 million in 2027 cap commitments with 45 players under contract and a little less than $1.4 million in existing 2026 cap space that can be carried over to the 2027 league year, according to NFLPA data.”
Jackson's leverage
Jackson holds most of the leverage due to his no-trade clause and the exorbitant 2027 cap number.
“Jackson seemingly controls his own destiny because of his contract situation.”
Contract restructure
The Ravens restructured Jackson's contract to create $39.96 million of 2026 cap room with a dummy/voiding 2030 contract year.
“Jackson's contract was restructured to create $39.96 million of much-needed 2026 cap room, with a dummy/voiding 2030 contract year added for bonus proration purposes.”
Injury impact
Jackson has had injuries affecting his hamstring, ankle, toe, knee, back, and thumb over 2025 and 2026.
“He's had various injuries throughout 2025 and 2026, including those affecting his hamstring, ankle, toe, knee, back, and thumb.”
2026 performance
Jackson completed 70.8% of his passes for 967 yards with six touchdowns and one interception in four games before injury.
“In the four games Jackson played prior to initially getting hurt, he completed 70.8% of his passes (68 of 96 attempts) for 967 yards with six touchdowns and one interception to post a 119.6 passer rating.”
Trade implications
Jackson's no-trade clause prevents the Ravens from moving him without his consent, complicating trade negotiations.
“Jackson's reported unwillingness to have serious contract discussions during the offseason has led to speculation that he may not want to stay in Baltimore.”
Dead money calculation
Trading Jackson would create $74.81 million in dead money, including $14.35 million prorated from signing bonus.
“Jackson's hypothetical $74.81 million in dead money would consist of: $14.35 million prorated in 2027 from Jackson's signing bonus”
Trade timing
The optimal time for the Ravens to trade Jackson is after June 1 to avoid accelerating dead money onto their 2027 cap.
“The optimal time for the Ravens to trade Jackson, salary cap-wise, is after June 1. By waiting until June 2, the bonus proration from Jackson's three dummy/voiding contract years wouldn't accelerate onto Baltimore's 2027 salary cap.”
Trade value
Jackson's trade value could be limited to Jeffery Simmons-type compensation, including a 2028 fifth-round pick.
“The Chicago Bears just acquired the All-Pro defensive tackle and a 2028 fifth-round pick from the Tennessee Titans for a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick, and a 2027 fourth-round pick.”
2028 cap implications
If Jackson becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2028, the Ravens would have $84.34 million on their books until June 2.
“Jackson's full $84.34 million cap number would remain on Baltimore's books until June 2, when his $52 million salary would be removed, resulting in a corresponding gain of 2027 cap space.”
What to remember
Lamar Jackson's thumb injury could end his 2026 season, leaving him with a $84.34 million cap hit and no-trade clause.
