Lamar Jackson $260 million prediction would beat Mahomes

The future is starting to look good for Ravens QB Lamar Jackson. One of his worst enemies, former Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett, no longer plays in the AFC North. One NFL analyst just dropped a major prediction that Jackson could also become the league’s highest-paid quarterback in the near future.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell explored the highest-paid players at each position, and who is next in line, in a recent article. He named Jackson as the next quarterback up to receive a huge contract extension.

Jackson could be due a huge extension, which Barnwell argues could have him earning more than Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. That prediction means a little bit more after Mahomes signed another extension on Wednesday.

After his rookie contract, Jackson signed a five-year deal worth $260 million after attempting to get a fully-guaranteed contract. Since then, he logged a second MVP award and came close to winning a third.

“Outside of a trip to the Super Bowl, Jackson has done everything the Ravens could have asked for after signing this contract,” Barnwell wrote.

Barnwell believes that Jackson could argue for a slightly shorter contract and become the richest man in the NFL. At least in terms of average annual value.

“A four-year, $260 million deal would make Jackson the highest-paid player in NFL history while still leaving the veteran with the potential to get one more crack at another contract in his mid-30s,” Barnwell added. “The Ravens would likely need to guarantee the $52 million Jackson is owed in 2027 and more than $100 million of the new money on the deal, with practical guarantees running into 2030 or 2031.”

Ultimately, Baltimore is bound to pay Jackson what he is worth at some point in the near future. The biggest question is if that will happen before the 2027 offseason.