Lamar Jackson's Trade Demand "Absolutely On The Table" and the Ravens Are Running Out of Time

Here we go again. Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are headed straight toward another negotiation nightmare, and this time the quarterback holds all the cards. An agent close to Jackson told Sports Illustrated's Jason La Canfora that a trade request could be coming if the Ravens don't get serious before training camp hits. The message was blunt: "A trade demand would absolutely be on the table if I was advising Lamar. I'm not coming in with it, but I'm coming in with a very firm hand, and I'm not putting up with any of their bull. And if it's not done before training camp, we're done talking."

This Isn't Their First Rodeo

Remember 2023? The Ravens made Jackson the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history, but it came with serious drama. Jackson had to submit a trade request during those negotiations, and investigations later revealed that NFL owners had colluded to keep him in Baltimore. Now, with trade rumors already flying around earlier this year, we're staring down the barrel of a messy repeat.

Jackson famously represented himself in those earlier talks and landed a five-year deal worth $260 million. But here's the kicker: he still doesn't have an agent. With two years left on his current contract and a no-franchise tag clause protecting him, Jackson is now expected to chase another deal to become the league's highest-paid player again. That number has to top Dak Prescott's $60 million per season with the Cowboys.

The Leverage Has Shifted Dramatically

La Canfora makes it clear: "After the Ravens once again fell a year-plus further behind the ever-soaring quarterback market in extending the superstar (the Bills and Josh Allen once again smoothly agreed to an extension last year), there isn't an agent or general manager or contract negotiator in the NFL who doesn't believe the quarterback has more leverage now than ever before."

The Ravens have a new head coach in Jesse Minter heading into his first season. Jackson, a two-time MVP, still hasn't reached the Super Bowl, with his best finish being an AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Something has to give, and the Ravens better move fast before that training camp deadline arrives.

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