Ravens, Lamar Jackson Failed To Reach Contract Extensions . Now What ? Why he is betting on him?

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens were unable to agree on a long-term contract deal.

Jackson set a deadline of Friday to reach a deal, but it was not met. As a result, he will be paid $23 million under his fifth-year option for the season, which begins on Sunday with the New York Jets.

The talks fell apart “despite best efforts on all sides,” according to a statement released by Raven’s general manager Eric DeCosta on Friday.
“We are thrilled about our team with Lamar leading the way, and we sincerely appreciate how he has handled this process, DeCosta added. We are looking forward to a good 2022 season, but we will continue to strive for a long-term deal after the season.

 

Jackson has stated that he intended to halt negotiations before the start of the regular season. He is one of the few NFL players who represents himself. He said the deadline would be Friday on Wednesday.

After practice on Friday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh stated, “I’m optimistic that’ll happen when it’s time.”

 

Why These Speculations?

Over the past four seasons, Jackson has established himself as one of the NFL’s finest playmakers and winners. Midway through the 2018 season, he was named the Ravens’ starter. Since then, Baltimore has gone 37-12 (.755) with him on the field and 2-5 (.286) without. He won the 2019 NFL MVP award without a doubt.

Jackson, however, just finished his most trying season. He had a career-high five games missed, including the final four due to an ankle injury, and threw a career-worst 13 interceptions.

 

What Happens If Ravens-Lamar Fail To Make A Deal Again?

By applying the franchise tag to Jackson, Baltimore would prevent Jackson from becoming a free agent if the two sides are unable to reach a new agreement by March 7. The only quarterback to be designated over the previous five years was Dak Prescott, who ultimately signed a long-term deal with the Dallas Cowboys.

Jackson, 25, won’t receive a guaranteed salary after this season but will still earn $23.016 million under his fifth-year option. Three quarterbacks have agreed to contracts with guaranteed sums that total more than $165 million in the last six months.

This week, Jackson, who has absorbed 737 more hits than any other quarterback since 2018, was questioned about whether or not he thinks it’s risky to play with no additional guaranteed income.

“It was a pretty big risk last season. The year before,” Jackson said Wednesday. “I’m just playing football. Anything can happen. God forbid the wrong thing happens.”

 

FOR MORE NFL UPDATES –

Zach Wilson Injury Status: Likely To Miss Out Until 4 Weeks – NFL 2022?

NFL 2022 Sack Leader Odds, Picks and Predictions: TJ Watt, 2021 Sack Leader, Not the Top Favorite