NFL Contract Negotiations To Watch: Lamar Jackson, Jacoby Brissett and More
There are three contract negotiations worth paying attention to this NFL offseason, but will all three get the money they deserve?
As the NFL offseason progresses, some of its biggest stars have dollar signs on their mind as they look for their next big contract.
These three contract negotiations and situations are the ones to pay attention to.
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NFL Contract Negotiations To Monitor During OTAs
Lamar Jackson | QB | BAL
Even as talks on a contract extension are underway, Jackson has been present for offseason activities, which is a good sign.
The likely reason for Jackson's presence is that the Ravens are entering a new era, with a new head coach for the first time since 2008. Getting the star quarterback acquainted with head coach Jesse Hinter, offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and the new offensive playbook is important to the team's success this season.
During the last contract negotiations in 2023, there were concerns about his future with the team, but that does not seem to be the case this time. Jackson has expressed love for this organization.
What made the 2022 contract negotiation tense was that Jackson’s request for a completely guaranteed contract, which he did not receive.
This time it may not be a factor; during a recent press conference, when the Ravens’ quarterback was asked if he would ask for a fully guaranteed contract, he replied: "That conversation was in 2022. It's 2026. We're going to leave that conversation in 2022."
Jackson averages $52 million per year with his current contract, which ranks tenth among quarterbacks; that could increase. It may not approach the $60 million per year Dak Prescott is making, but could be in the range of, or even higher than, the $55 million per year earned by other MVP quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford.
Jacoby Brissett | QB | ARI
The Arizona Cardinals recently informed Brissett that he is the starting quarterback for 2026, and he now believes he should be paid accordingly.
He is currently expected to make a total cash salary of $5,440,000. This ranks 26th among quarterbacks and is lower than backups like the Broncos’ Jarrett Stidham ($7,500,000), Texans’ Davis Mills ($6,300,000) and even his backup with the Cardinals, Gardner Minshew ($5,750,000).
Brissett had an excellent 2025 season stepping in for the injured Kyler Murray; from Week 3-18, he ranked ninth with 3,366 passing yards and 23 TDs.
Reports indicate that the two sides are significantly far apart in negotiations. This could mean Minshew or their third-round pick, Carson Beck, could be the starter in Week 1.
With more than $31 million in cap space, the Cardinals could afford to increase Brissett’s salary.
Chris Olave | WR | NO
There are two completely different ways the situation could go between Olave and the Saints. On one end, New Orleans could make Olave one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league; on the other, Olave could be wearing a different uniform by the end of the season.
The former first-round pick out of Ohio State is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and looking to be paid like one of the best at his position. He’s well deserving of that honor, with 1,000+ receiving yards in three of his four seasons. 2025 was his best, with career highs in catches (100), receiving yards (1,163) and receiving touchdowns (9), all of which ranked among the top 10 in the NFL.
It will be interesting to see what the situation looks like if Olave goes into Week 1 without a new contract. During the 2025 season, it looked like the Saints were exploring trade options for Olave; those never materialized.
However, those trade talks could resume if the two sides cannot reach an agreement. New Orleans might have prepared for that by selecting Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson with the tenth overall pick. The Saints could either end up with one of the best wide receiver duos for the next few years, or Tyson moves into the WR1 spot with Olave's departure.
The starting point for Olave may have come from fellow NFC South receiver Drake London, who just received a four-year, $141 million extension.
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