ESPN’s Bill Barnwell believes the chances of Ravens QB Lamar Jackson “playing out 2026 without an extension could grow by the day.”

03 September 2026

The veteran quarterback is under contract through 2027, but carries an $84.3 million salary cap hit next year. The front office obviously wants to rework the deal. Jackson wants a lucrative extension and “has massive leverage and appears ready to use it.” He also has a no-franchise-tag provision and a no-trade clause. If Jackson turns in another “banner season,” Barnwell believes “he has full control” of where he plays next season. For now, he is a top-tier QB1.