# Lamar Jackson's Contract Crisis > Lamar Jackson's thumb injury threatens his Baltimore Ravens future with a $84.34 million cap hit. - Title: Lamar Jackson's Contract Crisis · CBS Sports | Shortify - Summary: 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… - Keywords: lamar jackson, baltimore ravens, nfl, no-trade clause, contract restructure, salary cap, thumb injury, 2027 contract, CBS Sports - Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-whats-next-lamar-jackson-ravens-contract - Published: 2026-11-04T20:44:00+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: lamar jackson, baltimore ravens, nfl, no-trade clause, contract restructure, salary cap, thumb injury, 2027 contract, 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. ## Key takeaway Lamar Jackson's thumb injury could end his 2026 season, leaving him with a $84.34 million cap hit and no-trade clause.