Lamar Jackson Wants $63.1 Million, And The Ravens Are On The Clock

Alright, 12s, did you SEE that Mahomes deal? Eight seasons, a staggering $63.093 million per year! It's absolutely bonkers, setting a new high watermark in the league. This isn't just a Kansas City thing; it impacts every team, including our Hawks, when thinking about future QB contracts. The dominoes are already falling for other big-name QBs, and some guys are looking at that number and saying, "Yeah, I want that, too!"

Lamar Jackson's Monster Ask and The Ravens' Dilemma

First up, Lamar Jackson, man. Dude's been wanting a new deal for over a year! His current $52.5 million per year deal, once highest paid, now places him bottom of the top ten. He's still recovering from a torn ACL, but that Mahomes money? It's only gonna strengthen his resolve. Lamar has $104 million remaining over the next two years, and here's the kicker: a no-tag clause. He can play out these two seasons and become an unrestricted free agent. Talk about leverage! His expectations, already around $60.1 million annually from Dak Prescott's deal, just got nudged to $63.1 million per year. The Ravens have a serious situation!

Joe Burrow's Growing Discontent in Cincinnati

Then there's Joe Burrow in Cincinnati. In 2023, after his first three seasons, he agreed to a seven-year deal averaging $44.28 million a year from signing, with a new-money average of $55 million. He's got four years left, totaling $163.539 million, which averages $40.88 million annually. You think he's thrilled looking at Mahomes' new contract? The Bengals are notoriously careful with their money and might not want to tear up this deal. Burrow, for his part, may not want to extend his commitment. His discontent after three straight non-playoff seasons is more obvious than a rainy day in Seattle. Entering his seventh season, you gotta wonder if he's thinking about a Carson Palmer-esque exit after his eighth. Yikes for Cincy fans!

Baker Mayfield's Contract Talks Are Nowhere Close

And hey, let's not forget about Baker Mayfield down in Tampa Bay. Talks on extending his $33.3 million per year deal are nowhere close to where he thought. The Bucs have tough choices. They could tag him in 2027 or let him hit the open market. But tagging him won't be cheap. With a 2026 cap number of $39.975 million, Mayfield's 2027 franchise tender would be at least $47.97 million. Some think the Bucs wouldn't even use the tag. There's a belief they'll offer him more than anyone in free agency if a new deal isn't done before May. High stakes for Tampa! Man, what a whirlwind in the NFL QB market right now. These aren't just numbers; these deals shape the entire league, impacting every team, including our Hawks. Every situation is a powder keg. We'll be watching closely to see who blinks first. What a time to be a football fan, right? Go Hawks!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.