Ravens facing this harsh reality regarding Lamar Jackson contract drama

Quarterback Lamar Jackson made Baltimore Ravens fans feel a lot better about his future when he insisted this week that he "absolutely" wants to stay with the Ravens on a long-term basis and has "love" for both the city and the team that drafted him back in 2018.

However, the fact remains that Jackson has not signed a contract extension since he put pen to paper on a five-year deal reportedly worth up to $260M with $185M guaranteed back in 2023. On Friday morning, NFL insider Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk shared why Jackson "holds the cards in the lingering impasse" this offseason. 

Ravens are facing a serious Lamar Jackson threat

"He has two years left on his current contract, with a total payout of $105M," Florio wrote about Jackson. "While none of it is guaranteed, Jackson’s risk of getting released is extremely low. Here’s the key. Jackson has a no-tag clause. Come March 2028, he’ll be a free agent. Unrestricted. Unfettered. He’ll be able to sign with any team."

Previous reports indicated that Jackson may want to become the league's highest-paid player, as it pertains to average annual value, and sign a fully guaranteed contract. The perception also exists that the Ravens haven't yet met his asking price. 

While speaking earlier this week, Jackson reiterated that he wanted to keep contract discussions with the Ravens "private." 

Lamar Jackson has this leverage in contract talks

"Jackson would become the rarest of free agents — a winner of multiple league MVP awards who becomes a true free agent while still in his prime," Florio added. "That’s his leverage — along with preventing the Ravens from better managing the cap charges through a new deal. And it’s significant."

Florio also noted that Jackson negotiating without an agent could have something to do with why the two-time regular-season Most Valuable Player hasn't yet signed a new extension. That said, Jackson may show that he's willing to bet on himself and not give the Ravens what he feels would be a discount attached to an agreement. 

Jackson could also eventually ask to be traded to a team willing to give him the financial guarantees he wants at any point after the upcoming season wraps up.