Lamar Jackson (born on January 7, 1997, in Pompano Beach, Florida, USA) is an American football quarterback who currently plays for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL).
Jackson attended Boynton Beach High School in Florida, where he played football as a quarterback. In his senior year, he threw for 3,545 yards and 36 touchdowns and carried for 1,571 yards and 25 touchdowns, winning him Florida's Mr. Football award.
Jackson attended the University of Louisville, where he played college football for the Louisville Cardinals. In 2016, his sophomore year, he had a breakout season, passing for 3,543 yards and 30 touchdowns and rushing for 1,571 yards and 21 touchdowns. He became the youngest player ever to win the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the best player in college football. The Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Award, and the ACC Player of the Year were among the numerous honours that Jackson received.
Jackson started seven of his first eight games as a rookie in the NFL in 2018. In his second season, he emerged as one of the league's top quarterbacks, throwing for 3,127 yards and 36 touchdowns and rushing for 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns. He became the youngest quarterback to win the NFL MVP award and was also named to the Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro. In his third season, he continued to produce at a high level, guiding the Ravens to the playoffs and earning another Pro Bowl nomination.
Lamar Jackson's contract breakdown
Jackson, who was rumoured to leave the Baltimore Ravens, signed a 5-year deal worth $260 million. The contract with the Baltimore Ravens includes a $72,500,000 signing bonus with a total guaranteed amount of $185,000,000. In 2023, Jackson will earn a base salary of $7,500,000.
| Contract | Signing Bonus | Average Salary | GTD at Sign | Total GTD |
| 5 yr(s) / $260,000,000 | $72,500,000 | $52,000,000 | $135,000,000 | $185,000,000 |
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Workout | Cap Hit | Dead Cap | Yearly Cash |
| 2023 | $7,500,000 | $14,500,000 | - | $22,000,000 | $135,000,000 | $80,000,000 |
| 2024 | $14,250,000 | $14,500,000 | $750,000 | $33,000,000 | $113,000,000 | $56,250,000 |
| 2025 | $20,250,000 | $14,500,000 | $750,000 | $43,500,000 | $80,000,000 | $52,000,000 |
| 2026 | $51,250,000 | $14,500,000 | $750,000 | $74,500,000 | $57,500,000 | $52,000,000 |
| 2027 | $51,250,000 | $14,500,000 | $750,000 | $74,500,000 | $35,000,000 | $52,000,000 |
| 2028 | - | - | - | $8,000,000(Void) | $12,500,000 | |
| 2029 | - | - | - | $4,500,000(Void) | $4,500,000 |
How much is Lamar Jackson getting paid?
Lamar Jackson penned a new contract deal with the Baltimore Ravens in April 2023. With the new contract, Jackson’s average annual salary is an eye-popping $52 million. In 2023, Jackson will earn a total salary of $80 million inclusive of base salary and signing bonuses. As per the rest of the league’s players’ contracts, Lamar Jackson ranks 1st in the league regarding contract value.
How much money does Lamar Jackson make a minute?
As the player with the league’s biggest contract, it comes as no surprise the enormous amount that Jackson would be earning. He earns $98.9 per minute with an annual salary of $52 million. To put this into perspective, the minimum wage in the United States is $7.25 per hour.
How much of Lamar Jackson’s contract is guaranteed?
With a contract worth $260 million, Lamar Jackson will be earning an average of $52 million per year. The incentives and contract terms in NFL can vary based on the player and team. Lamar Jackson has ensured that a sizeable amount of his contract is guaranteed. The guaranteed amount of Lamar Jackson’s contract is $185 million.
What are the terms of Lamar Jackson’s contract?
As per the terms of Lamar Jackson’s contract, he signed a 5-year deal which fixates him with the Baltimore Ravens franchise until the end of the 2028 season. The contract guarantees him $185 million regardless of injuries or trade and has the potential of earning him $260 million.
The contract has been well drafted with various terms to it to ensure that the Ravens and Jackson are optimally satisfied with the deal. Some of these terms include:
$135 million would be guaranteed at the time of signing
As of 2024, there would be a 90-man roster bonus amounting to $750,000
As of 2024, there would be an option bonus of $17.5 million
The 2025 salary would fully guarantee the 5th league day of 2024
In 2026, $29 million would fully guarantee the 5th league day of 2025
In 2028 and 2029, the last league day of 2027 would be deemed void
There is a full no-trade clause which protects Jackson from being traded against his consent
Post 2027, there would be a no-tag clause
How much will Lamar Jackson’s next contract be?
It is not possible to predict how much Lamar Jackson’s next contract will be worth. Given his age and skill, Jackson is bound to perform at a very high level for most of his new contract. His next contract will partially be determined by how well he performs towards the end of his contract. By the end of the contract, Jackson is also bound to have broken many records, furthered himself in the NFL ranks and might even end up winning a championship or championships. These factors would come together to determine his market value, which in turn will determine the length and value of his next contract.
