NFL: Predicting the next 5 massive QB contracts after Patrick Mahomes deal

Lamar Jackson contract prediction: Five years, $200 million

Yes, I believe that Lamar Jackson will surpass Patrick Mahomes’ contract in terms of annual average value over the first five years. Again, the Chiefs will be giving their quarterback $39.5 million per year over that span with the yearly totals increasing thereafter. A five-year, $200 million deal for the Baltimore Ravens quarterback puts him at $40 million per season.

However, there is a ton to unpack in terms of a potential deal between Jackson and the Ravens. There’s no questioning the talent of the 2019 NFL MVP. In his first full season as the starter, Jackson led his team to the best record in the AFC, won the highest individual award in the league and put up historic numbers as he led the NFL in touchdown passes and set the single-season rushing record for yards by a quarterback.

At the same time, there is still plenty left to prove. For all his talent, Jackson still needs to improve as a consistent passer. Furthermore, he and the Ravens need to prove that what they put forth in 2019 is not only sustainable but able to be built upon. And more than any of that, the longterm health of Jackson given his style of play is a major factor as well.

I’m a firm believer that what Jackson has done isn’t a flash in the pan — but I’d be lying to say the longevity doesn’t worry me. Therefore, while the annual average value of this deal may rival Mahomes’ first five years, I expect the guarantees to be somewhere around $120 million with 90 percent of that in the first three seasons of the contract to try and protect the Ravens a bit regarding Jackson’s health.