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47 minutes ago
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Lamar Jackson, as things stand, would be a free agent in the 2028 offseason.
The Baltimore Ravens certainly would like to keep their superstar QB beyond that, but contract negotiations are a two-way street, and Jackson might have a good reason to play the waiting game.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Monday that Jackson could be eying the chance to get his next deal next offseason.
The main reason is that the young QBs who will have finished their third NFL seasons will be eligible for extensions. That could redefine the whole cost of a quarterback on the market, and make Jackson some serious extra cash.
"Baltimore wants to extend Jackson, a free agent in 2028," Fowler writes. "No major progress has been made yet, and some around the league wonder whether Jackson wants to wait until next offseason to up his value. The quarterback market could move during the 2027 offseason, with Drake Maye, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels eligible for new deals."
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It's certainly a logical path for Jackson to take, although he does add a bit of risk to the equation if he were to get injured in a rough way this season.
There could also be another factor that helps Jackson in any negotiation next offseason: a ticking clock.
Right now, the Ravens know they've still got a long runway before Jackson reaches free agency. A year from now, everything will feel a bit more urgent.
Much like the trade deadline, having a looming marker can often get deals done more efficiently -- and in Jackson's case, in a way that brings in a higher offer to ensure that he does indeed sign the deal.
If Baltimore comes with a great enough deal now, Jackson could still sign an extension this offseason. But it sure sounds like it won't be a surprise if he bides his time.
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