Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and it doesn’t look like a new deal is within range. It definitely doesn’t seem to be close based on the latest rumors.
ProFootballTalk reported over the weekend that Jackson has told the Ravens that he’s “too focused” on the 2022 NFL season to negotiate a new contract with them. Jackson does not have a professional agent and instead has advisers, including his mother.
It’s a high-risk, high-reward game that Jackson is playing with the Ravens. If he takes the contract the Ravens are offering him now (and by most accounts there is an offer out there), he might be leaving money on the table if the Ravens exceed expectations this coming year.
But a bad season – or one where Jackson gets injured again – could result in the Ravens slapping the franchise tag on him. Their next offer might be lower if the season is extremely bad.
As a result, some NFL fans think he’s a genius while others think he’s being foolish:
Lamar Jackson knows that the price tag for a quarterback is going up every season. Aaron Rodgers got 50 mill and after this upcoming season the market will be closer to 60 mill a year. https://t.co/TWd74PH41l
— Jamaal Walker (@MalWalker) April 3, 2022
Ok….Lamar is taking a GIGANTIC RISK….I want him to get PAID BUT I see what is he trying to do tho…he wants to have his best season ever so he can get his biggest bag ever But MAN you cant get hurt again Lamar smh https://t.co/IUn55Lq7U4
— Black QB Supporter Fan Club (@Blackeffect1986) April 3, 2022
This makes zero sense. https://t.co/P39cYsIY62
— Uncle Elroy III (@tre_704) April 3, 2022
Bro does not know how business works https://t.co/hbjTcHFVkn
— Tommy 👾 (@WatsonsDawgs) April 3, 2022
He trippin don’t be no dummy trying to prove a point, get that bag first an security https://t.co/13KGJPvlWt
— AhhhkkyyyBo☃️ (@__Iam4K) April 3, 2022
Lamar Jackson is 37-12 as a starter with a 64-percent completion rate, 84 touchdown passes and nearly 10,000 passing yards. He’s equally dynamic as a runner with 3,673 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground.
In just four years Jackson has made two Pro Bowls and even won the NFL MVP award in his first year as a starter. His one hangup thus far has been in the playoffs, failing to reach the AFC Championship Game in his first three years.
But Jackson seems determined to stay with the Ravens, asserting as much on Twitter. The only real controversy is likely to be how much money he makes with them in the end.
Is Lamar Jackson making a mistake with the way he’s handling his contract situation?
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