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Ravens Face Tough Choices: Extend or Trade Lamar Jackson?

12/24/2025

34 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Baltimore Ravens face a critical decision on Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens quarterback) as they near playoff elimination, with two years left on his contract and a $74.5 million cap hit in 2026.
ESPN's Dan Graziano suggests the Ravens must either extend Jackson or trade him.
The team has only three playoff wins since Jackson became the starter.
John Harbaugh's job security is in doubt, prompting a strategic rethink.

History

Historical Context

The NFL introduced a salary cap in 1994, initially set at $34.6 million, to ensure competitive balance among teams. This system has evolved, with the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement establishing a cap of $120 million. As teams like the Baltimore Ravens navigate these financial constraints, they face critical decisions regarding player contracts, exemplified by quarterback Lamar Jackson's significant cap hit of $74.5 million in 2026.

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Story summary

The Baltimore Ravens face a critical decision on Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens quarterback) as they near playoff elimination, with two years left on his contract and a $74.5 million cap hit in 2026.
ESPN's Dan Graziano suggests the Ravens must either extend Jackson or trade him.
The team has only three playoff wins since Jackson became the starter.
John Harbaugh's job security is in doubt, prompting a strategic rethink.

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