What's the deal with Lamar Jackson's contract situation?

"The Ravens want to reduce Jackson's ballooning $74.5 million salary cap hit -- which is the second highest in the NFL -- to free up room to re-sign their own free agents and pursue other available players to upgrade the roster after last season's disappointing 8-9 season."

"If Jackson chooses not to sign a new deal by the official start of free agency Wednesday, Baltimore can restructure the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player's contract to create $30-plus million in cap room. But this move is problematic because it pushes a huge chunk of Jackson's 2026 cap hit into next season, causes his 2027 cap figure to soar even higher and stirs up questions about his future with the Ravens."

"You can play with that money all you want [by restructuring a contract]. That's not what we want. We want another window, and Lamar knows that."

The Baltimore Ravens have pressured quarterback Lamar Jackson to complete a contract extension by the start of free agency to address his massive $74.5 million salary cap hit, the second highest in the NFL. Owner Steve Bisciotti emphasized urgency following the team's disappointing 8-9 season. If Jackson declines to sign by Wednesday's free agency start, Baltimore can restructure his contract to create $30 million in cap room, but this approach creates complications by pushing cap hits into future years and raising questions about his long-term future. The Ravens prefer a new agreement with the self-represented Jackson to extend his contract beyond 2028 and maintain their championship window. Without an extension, the relationship becomes strained.

Read at ESPN.com