Lamar Jackson is about to sign a huge contract that can cause problems for Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Patrick Mahomes.
Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, is on the verge of signing one of the most lucrative contracts in NFL history. This impending deal is not just a major milestone in Jackson’s career but also one that could send shockwaves through the entire NFL landscape, particularly within the quarterback market. With players like Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Patrick Mahomes already under hefty contracts, Jackson’s deal could have significant financial and structural consequences that affect their own contracts, the way teams approach building their rosters, and even how other players are compensated.
Lamar Jackson has been one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL since he entered the league in 2018. A former MVP, Jackson’s unique playing style—blending elite athleticism, speed, and a growing passing game—has made him one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history. Despite his success, Jackson has faced challenges off the field, particularly with his contract situation. Unlike other star quarterbacks, Jackson has chosen not to hire an agent, instead negotiating his own contracts with the Ravens.
This independence has led to some tension between Jackson and the Ravens. He has long sought a contract that reflects his status as one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, with a figure close to or surpassing the richest contracts in league history. Jackson’s decision to negotiate directly with the Ravens rather than through a traditional agent reflects his desire for control over his career but also illustrates his frustration with the financial parameters set by the NFL’s traditional contract structures.
The NFL quarterback market is one of the most closely watched areas in professional sports. Quarterbacks are often considered the face of the franchise, and as such, they command massive salaries. In recent years, contracts for top-tier quarterbacks have skyrocketed, with players like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow securing generational wealth.
Lamar Jackson’s deal is expected to eclipse even these massive contracts, setting a new benchmark for future quarterback deals. The way Jackson’s contract is structured will send a clear message about how much teams are willing to invest in their quarterbacks, particularly those who bring a unique skill set like Jackson does.
Mahomes, Allen, and Burrow all signed deals that were considered groundbreaking at the time. Mahomes’ 10-year, $450 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs was the largest in sports history when signed. Allen’s six-year, $258 million contract with the Buffalo Bills and Burrow’s extension negotiations—likely to be in the same range—also pushed the boundaries of quarterback compensation.
However, Jackson’s contract could exceed those figures in several ways. The specifics of Jackson’s deal, especially if it’s fully guaranteed or if it includes escalators based on performance, could make it the most lucrative quarterback contract in NFL history. If Jackson secures a deal worth $500 million or more, it would further push the envelope on what quarterbacks can expect to earn in today’s NFL.
Josh Allen’s contract with the Buffalo Bills, signed in 2021, was a significant moment in the quarterback pay scale. At the time, it was seen as a record-breaking deal, securing Allen a six-year extension worth $258 million. The deal placed Allen among the top-paid quarterbacks in the league and reflected the Bills’ confidence in his ability to lead the franchise for years to come.
However, if Lamar Jackson signs a deal worth significantly more, Allen’s deal could quickly be overshadowed. While Allen still has several years left on his contract, the Ravens’ negotiations with Jackson will force the Bills to reconsider their own approach to future extensions for Allen or any roster moves that could involve salary cap flexibility.
The Bills may have to negotiate an extension with Allen sooner than expected, especially if Jackson’s contract significantly redefines the quarterback market. It would also put pressure on the Bills to prioritize Allen’s satisfaction with his contract, or risk him potentially holding out or seeking more money during future contract negotiations. Allen may want a similar deal to Jackson’s, with the possibility of further structure or guarantees that could give him long-term security and more money in his pocket.
Joe Burrow is another quarterback whose deal could be influenced by Lamar Jackson’s upcoming contract. As the quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, Burrow has already established himself as one of the NFL’s top players, leading his team to a Super Bowl appearance and consistently performing at an elite level. With the Bengals also preparing for a significant contract extension for Burrow, Jackson’s contract could play a large role in how those negotiations unfold.
Burrow is expected to sign one of the largest contracts in NFL history in the near future, and Jackson’s deal could set the tone for what Burrow demands in terms of salary. With Burrow already showing his prowess on the field and the Bengals entering a critical window to capitalize on his rookie contract, his agent will be watching Jackson’s contract negotiations closely. Jackson’s new contract could either set a ceiling for Burrow’s contract or raise expectations to the point where Burrow and his agent demand an even larger deal.
For Burrow, a deal comparable to Jackson’s would make sense. Burrow has shown that he can lead his team to high levels of success, and with a growing roster around him, the Bengals may need to invest in him for the long haul. However, if Jackson’s deal is heavily incentive-based or includes massive bonuses, Burrow’s camp may push for something similar, making it harder for the Bengals to keep Burrow on a cost-effective deal.
Patrick Mahomes’ contract with the Kansas City Chiefs is already one of the largest in sports history. Signed in 2020, the 10-year, $450 million extension positioned Mahomes as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. His deal is unique in that it includes a long-term commitment to the Chiefs, but its structure is more team-friendly than it might appear at first glance.
Mahomes’ deal is packed with roster bonuses, incentives, and other clauses that keep it flexible. However, with Jackson likely to sign a contract that could surpass Mahomes’ in total value or guarantee amount, Mahomes may look to renegotiate his deal. While Mahomes has not publicly expressed dissatisfaction with his contract, a large and heavily guaranteed deal for Jackson could influence his future negotiations, especially if he feels he’s being underpaid relative to his peers.
For the Chiefs, it will be important to monitor Jackson’s contract and consider how it will affect Mahomes’ contract over the long term. The Chiefs have a roster full of star players and will need to manage their cap space effectively, especially as Mahomes’ contract hits its full payout stages. A huge deal for Jackson could prompt the Chiefs to extend Mahomes in a way that ensures his financial status remains at the top of the quarterback market.
While the focus is often on the top quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson’s contract could have significant consequences for other players across the NFL. Quarterbacks like Allen, Burrow, and Mahomes are not the only ones affected by Jackson’s deal—wide receivers, running backs, and other skill players will also be impacted by the changing financial landscape.
As the salary cap continues to rise, teams will have to make tough decisions about how to allocate resources. Quarterbacks, especially those with big contracts, often take up a disproportionate amount of cap space. As Jackson’s contract increases the going rate for elite quarterbacks, teams with young quarterbacks on rookie deals (like the Cincinnati Bengals with Burrow) will benefit from lower-cost, cost-effective contracts for the time being. However, teams with veteran quarterbacks will have to navigate their salary cap space with much more care.
In some ways, Jackson’s contract could lead to even more inflation in quarterback salaries, making it even harder for teams to build a deep roster around their star quarterback. Teams will increasingly have to decide whether to invest heavily in a franchise quarterback or spread their resources across multiple positions to ensure competitive balance.
As the market continues to evolve, NFL general managers and owners may start to prioritize negotiating deals for quarterbacks sooner, before the cost of elite quarterbacks becomes prohibitive. The Lamar Jackson contract could also force the NFL’s decision-makers to rethink the way they approach contract negotiations across the league. If Jackson’s deal creates a shift in quarterback market dynamics, teams may become even more selective in their long-term investments.
Lamar Jackson’s upcoming contract will certainly be a game-changer for the quarterback market, and its impact will ripple across the entire NFL landscape. For players like Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Patrick Mahomes, Jackson’s deal could prompt renegotiations, extensions, and recalibrations of salary expectations. As the NFL continues to evolve into a quarterback-driven league, the ramifications of Jackson’s deal will be felt for years to come.
In the end, Jackson’s contract could redefine the financial landscape for quarterbacks, and it will be fascinating to see how teams and players react to this new era of high-stakes quarterback compensation.
