Ravens reportedly ready to do this amid Lamar Jackson contract uncertainty

Multiple reports have suggested that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson fully "bought in" while working with first-year Ravens head coach Jesse Minter and first-year offensive coordinator Declan Doyle during the offseason program.

However, questions about Jackson's long-term future continue to hover over the Ravens this summer, as his existing contract prevents Baltimore from retaining his rights for 2028 via the franchise tag or trading him without his consent. On Monday, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated shared an update regarding the Jackson-Ravens situation. 

Ravens want to commit to Lamar Jackson on a long-term basis?

"The two-time MVP has two years left on his existing deal, with $52M due this year and $52M due next year," Breer wrote about Jackson. "He also has a new head coach in Jesse Minter, who might want to show how his regime will back Jackson. And my sense is the Ravens are ready to explore extending Jackson well into his 30s."

Jackson turns 30 years old this coming January, and it is unclear if he wants to become the league's new highest-paid player whenever he signs an extension and/or if he wants a minimum of three years fully guaranteed at signing. In late May, Jackson insisted that he "absolutely" wants to stay with a Ravens team that drafted him in the spring of 2018. That said, it's unknown if the two sides are close to coming to terms on an extension. 

Veteran Ravens players are due to report to training camp on July 28.

Why Lamar Jackson may not want to sign an extension this summer

Some reporters and insiders think Jackson may bet on himself and wait until after the 2026 season to put pen to paper on a multiyear deal. Breer seems to believe such a scenario playing out is a possibility. 

"Jackson has to be ready to do that, too," Breer added. "And the idea, with a no-tag clause in his contract, of hitting free agency in 2028 at 31 years old could be enticing to him."

In short, Jackson may feel he has no reason to offer the Ravens any kind of discount in negotiations. He also likely understands that he could risk losing out on millions of dollars if he doesn't sign an extension this summer and then goes down with a serious injury.