⁠The signing of Maxx Crosby is an exclamation point for the Baltimore Ravens. Another one should definitely follow. A commentary.

The window is open. The Baltimore Ravens want to open it a little wider.

Because the Ravens have big plans. The trade for Maxx Crosby underscores that, and it helps, but it can only be one piece of the puzzle.

Yes, an enormously important one, because as we all know, “defense wins championships.” It’s a piece of wisdom that is proven time and time again.

But the Ravens need to make another statement, add another piece to the puzzle, so that the big picture continues to come together.

The key figure in this is Lamar Jackson.

Lamar Jackson: Huge cap hit for the Baltimore Ravens

The quarterback still has a contract that runs until 2027, but he is set to get a new deal. A lot depends on that document, because his cap hit will balloon to $74.5 million in 2026.

This leaves two possibilities: Jackson gets a new payday, or his current contract is restructured to free up at least $38 million in the short term. But then the window would probably be closed in 2027, because his cap hit would be $87 million by then. However, even then, it won’t be possible to make any big moves in 2026, because according to Spotrac, the Ravens are currently in the red. That’s why the new contract is a priority. It would allow the franchise to kill several birds with one stone, and the implications for the team are far-reaching.
Lamar Jackson: New contract would be a statement

If an agreement is reached, Jackson would once again be the highest-paid football player. Currently, that title belongs to Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who earns $60 million per year. Jackson was the highest-paid player when he last extended his contract in 2023, but with $52 million, he is now only tenth in the salary rankings.

He could set new standards once again.

The positive effects don’t need much explanation, because in addition to the monetary compensation, Jackson would also receive enormous appreciation, which can be inspiring.

He could focus completely on the Super Bowl run and wouldn’t have to worry about possibly testing free agency for the first time after the 2027 season. It’s important to remember that he doesn’t have an agent to take work or worries off his hands. The Ravens have emphasized several times that they want the new contract; now they “just” have to implement it. The 27 months that both parties took their time last time are not available this time around if they finally want to have a significant say in the playoffs.

Lamar Jackson: Positive effects for the Baltimore Ravens

Another effect: Baltimore could position itself financially so that the team can continue to be set up to attack the Super Bowl. At the same time, they would basically be installing a new window that is not only wider but also stays open longer.

“You can play around with this money as much as you want by restructuring contracts. But that’s not what we want. We want a new window – and Lamar knows that,” said team owner Steve Bisciotti in January.

If no agreement is reached, it would be bitter, not only from a sporting perspective, but also from an interpersonal one. A strong 2026 season would then greatly strengthen their negotiating position. All of this could at least complicate the relationship between the player and the team.

And possibly close the window much earlier in the end.