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A fresh NFL season is upon us, and the Baltimore Ravens are focused on getting in the win column and getting this team to the championship game. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, of course, is a big part of that dream. However, Jackson's contract situation could become one of the NFL's biggest storylines this season, especially with the idea that he could play out this season without an extension and end up with a historic salary. It puts the Ravens in a peculiar place and certainly in a different spot than a lot of other NFL teams going into the fresh season. Lamar Jackson's contract situation could become a major storyline In a feature out on Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN names a handful of "NFL players to watch next offseason if they don't sign extensions." These players could play the entire new season without a new deal. Can you imagine the Ravens and Jackson parting ways? It seems ridiculous. In the piece, Fowler notes that Jackson is very private about his negotiations, so there isn't much information. But, we know something. "Jackson has massive leverage and appears ready to use it, which means the chances of him playing out 2026 without an extension could grow by the day," Fowler notes. He adds that Jackson is "owed $52 million in cash in each of the next two seasons with an $84.3 million cap hit in 2027, which might as well be a poison pill. He has a no-franchise-tag provision and a no-trade clause." So, even if the Ravens give him a big offer today, Jackson could really "sit tight and let the market do the work for him next offseason," Fowler notes. Waiting is really in Jackson's benefit, so don't expect to see this contract going down soon. If it does, it'll be a surprise. More NFL news: - Chiefs' most significant roster takeaway reveals a new era in Kansas City - Browns' Todd Monken doesn't care what you think about his Deshaun Watson decision - Vikings' biggest roster decision flew under the radar - Cowboys' telling move before roster cuts changed one player's future - Browns' largest move before roster cuts revealed their QB plan