Ravens, Lamar Jackson reportedly want to stay together 'for a very long time,' but trade rumors persist

As of the first Friday of November, it was unclear whether or not quarterback Lamar Jackson had played his final game as a member of the Baltimore Ravens after he suffered what could become a season-ending injury to the thumb on his throwing hand on Nov. 1. 

However, it sounds like the Ravens aren't yet thinking about hitting a reset button regarding the sport's most important position during the upcoming offseason. 

Lamar Jackson wants to stay with Ravens through end of his career?

"Lamar Jackson has one year left on his contract and has not signed a contract extension yet with the Baltimore Ravens, despite the fact that the organization wants to," league insider Ian Rapoport said during an NFL Network appearance on Thursday evening, per Malik Brown of ClutchPoints. "He has a big cap number next year, but here's my understanding of the situation. When this season ends, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens will get together, and the hope is that he will be a member of the Baltimore Ravens for a very long time, potentially through the end of his career."

Jackson has played only for the Ravens since they drafted him in 2018, and he claimed on multiple occasions earlier this year that he "absolutely" wants to stay with Baltimore. That said, the fact that his current contract prevents the Ravens from eventually retaining his rights via the franchise tag and from trading him without his consent raises questions about whether he is truly committed to his current employer.

Lamar Jackson doesn't want to leave the Ravens?

A recent report claimed that "at least one team" is "doing advance homework on a potential pursuit of Jackson in 2027." Previously, the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins had been linked with Jackson. 

That said, Rapoport seems to think such speculation is nothing more than meaningless chatter. 

"Doesn't sound to me like he wants to go anywhere," Rapoport added about Jackson. "Doesn't sound like the Ravens want him to go anywhere. I would be surprised, or maybe even stunned, if Lamar Jackson was not the quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens in 2027." 

On Friday morning, Rapoport insisted that he does "not see a scenario where Lamar Jackson is not the quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens next year." Of course, that declaration being made on Nov. 6 doesn't guarantee such a "scenario" won't arise before the 2027 NFL Draft gets underway.