The Baltimore Ravens have a superstar quarterback in Lamar Jackson, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP, has led the Ravens to the playoffs in each of his three seasons, but has yet to win a Super Bowl. While Jackson is focused on winning games, he also wants to secure his future with the Ravens by signing a new contract. In this article, we explore the latest news and rumors about Jackson’s contract negotiations and what they mean for the Ravens.
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Jackson’s Contract Situation
Jackson was drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft and signed a four-year deal worth $9.47 million. The deal includes a fifth-year option that the Ravens have already exercised, which will pay Jackson $23.1 million in 2022. However, Jackson wants a long-term extension that will make him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.
Jackson’s agent, Patrick Mahomes Sr., has been negotiating with the Ravens for several months, but the two sides have yet to reach an agreement. Mahomes Sr. has said that Jackson is worth more than other quarterbacks who have recently signed new deals, such as Dak Prescott and Josh Allen.
The Ravens’ Perspective
The Ravens have a tricky situation with Jackson’s contract. On the one hand, they want to keep Jackson happy and secure him as their franchise quarterback for years to come. On the other hand, they need to manage their salary cap and make sure they can afford to keep other key players on the roster.
The Ravens have a history of rewarding their star players, such as Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs, with big contracts. However, they have also let some players go in free agency, such as C.J. Mosley, who signed a huge deal with the New York Jets.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has said that he wants to sign Jackson to a long-term deal, but only if it makes sense for both sides. DeCosta has also said that the Ravens are not afraid to use the franchise tag on Jackson if necessary, which would allow them to keep him for at least one more year at a high salary.
The Market for Quarterbacks
The market for quarterbacks has been rapidly changing in recent years, with several players resetting the market with their new contracts. Mahomes signed a 10-year deal worth up to $503 million, Prescott signed a four-year deal worth $160 million, and Allen signed a six-year deal worth $258 million. These deals have raised the bar for other quarterbacks who are negotiating new contracts, including Jackson.
Jackson’s statistics are impressive, but he has not yet won a Super Bowl, which is often a key factor in determining a quarterback’s value. Jackson’s style of play, which relies heavily on his running ability, also raises questions about his longevity and durability.
The Future for Jackson and the Ravens
Jackson is still only 24 years old and has plenty of potential to improve his game. He has already shown that he can lead the Ravens to the playoffs and win regular season awards. The Ravens have a strong supporting cast, including Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews and All-Pro left tackle Ronnie Stanley, which should help Jackson succeed in the future.
However, the Ravens also have several key players who will become free agents in the next few years, including Stanley, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, and edge rusher Tyus Bowser. The Ravens will need to balance their desire to keep Jackson happy with their need to keep a talented roster intact.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lamar Jackson wants a new deal with the Baltimore Ravens, and the Ravens want to sign him to a long-term extension, but they have to weigh the cost against other financial commitments. Jackson’s agent has made it clear that he expects his client to receive a deal that reflects his value as a top quarterback in the league. The Ravens will have to make a decision soon, as Jackson’s contract situation will be a major storyline for the team in the upcoming season.
In summary, Lamar Jackson’s contract negotiations with the Baltimore Ravens are ongoing, with both sides trying to find a compromise that works for them. Jackson wants to secure his future with the Ravens and be paid what he believes he’s worth, while the Ravens want to keep their star quarterback happy while maintaining their salary cap flexibility. Whether or not the two sides can come to an agreement remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Lamar Jackson’s future with the Ravens will be one of the most closely watched stories in the NFL this season.