$6.1bn NFL franchise completes stadium overhaul as two-time MVP quarterback heads for free agency

The Baltimore Ravens’ $500 million renovation of M&T Bank Stadium is in its closing stages.

A three-year project began in 2023 and is ready to be unveiled in time for the 2026 season.

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The star attraction is a concert hall called The Talon with room for 3,800 people.

Ravens brass envisage the two-story, 7,000-square-foot venue being “a destination for fans both before, during and after the game.”

Ravens SVP/Marketing Brad Downs said it will “serve as a main event space for the Ravens throughout the year and will be able to host large events like draft parties.”

An additional full-enclosed 800-capacity area called The Backstage sits behind a glass wall.

It will host watch parties, beginning with the Ravens’ September clash with the Dallas Cowboys in Brazil.

Extra ticked scanners, more square footage and new restrooms will enhance the experience for The Flock.

Lamar Jackson set for massive payday

Baltimore’s’ main order of business is securing a long-term extension for Lamar Jackson.

The two-time MVP signed a five-year, $260 million contract in 2023 and has a cap hit of over $84 million in 2027.

Baltimore will need to restructure that deal and Jackson, who does not have an agent, holds all the cards.

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“Here’s the key,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote. “Jackson has a no-tag clause.

“Come March 2028, he’ll be a free agent. Unrestricted. Unfettered. He’ll be able to sign with any team.

“Assuming (and it may not be a safe assumption) that Jackson’s decision to pursue a collusion claim (along with Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson) won’t be held against him, Jackson would become the rarest of free agents — a winner of multiple league MVP awards who becomes a true free agent while still in his prime.”

Lamar Jackson has never made the Super Bowl

Concerns have been raised throughout Jackson’s career that his mobility could decline.

He turns 30 in January, but it is extremely unlikely that Baltimore would allow a first-team All-Pro to walk.

With the market continually being reset and the ticking clock only working in Jackson’s favor, it might be time to pick up the phone.

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Despite Jackson’s pedigree, he has not been able to lead the team to a Super Bowl.

He will have a new team behind him in 2026 with former Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Jesse Minter taking over as head coach.

The Ravens also have a new OC in Declan Doyle after Todd Monken landed the top job at the Cleveland Browns.

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