What happened: Ian Rapoport reports that Lamar Jackson is positioned for a massive payday in 2027 if a new contract isn't finalized this offseason. Following a 2026 restructure, Jackson's cap hit is scheduled to spike to a historic $84.3 million next year.

Why it matters: The staggering 2027 cap figure makes an extension a mathematical necessity for the franchise to maintain roster flexibility. Jackson holds immense leverage in negotiations, possessing both no-tag and no-trade clauses in his current agreement.

What to watch: Expect extension talks to intensify as the team looks to mitigate the massive 2027 cap burden before the next league year begins.