FRIDAY: The Ravens have followed through with Harbaugh’s guarantee. They picked up Jackson’s $23.106MM fully guaranteed option. The league’s top dual-threat quarterback is now under contract through 2022.
TUESDAY: We can file this one under the “obvious” category. During an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh “guaranteed” that the team would pick up Lamar Jackson‘s fifth-year option (via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport on Twitter).
Teams have until May 3 to pick up options on 2018 first-rounders who are entering the final year of their rookie deals. Considering Jackson’s accolades, we all probably could have guaranteed that this transaction was was going to happen. For those wondering, Harbaugh said that there’s “nothing to the fact” that the two sides have waited to make the move.
Jackson, the final pick of that 2018 first round, has a fifth-year option that’s valued at $23.106MM (fully guaranteed).
The real question is if the Ravens and Jackson can somehow agree to an extension before the May 3 deadline. We heard earlier this month that the two sides had started negotiations, and while both teams seem receptive to a long-term pact, it could take some time to agree to terms. As our own Zach Links pointed out, quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff, and Carson Wentz all opted for security ahead of their fourth-year rookie contracts and earned sizable paydays; it wouldn’t be shocking if Jackson inevitably takes the same route. Previous reports indicated that the former MVP was seeking a contract similar to Deshaun Watson‘s four-year, $156MM deal.
Jackson followed up his 2019 MVP campaign with another standout season in 2020. He led the Ravens to an 11-4 record in 15 starts, connecting on 64.4-percent of his passes for 2,757 yards, 26 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He also added another 1,005 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
Harbaugh really going out on a limb
True, but look at it this way- if he’s right, he’s a genius! A visionary!
If Jackson gets hit by a meteorite tonight, I guarantee that the Ravens will not do that.
“Even flattened under that giant rock, he’s still better than Kyle Boller”.
Joke didn’t hit the first time so you had to try it again?
Harbaugh has figured out how to win with the guy, but if he’s interested in winning a championship he’s going to need to find someone who can throw the ball.
Lamar can throw the ball. If you want them to throw it 50 times a game, Lamar needs better WRs. The Ravens WR group is really weak.
This is the stupidest comment. Lamar has the same career completion percentage 64% and a better QB rating 102.6 then Tom Brady, but we need to find someone that can throw. All he has done is prove all the haters wrong
Thusly, he also guaranteed that the Ravens will not win a SB.
Probably the same guy who still thinks Lamar can’t be an NFL QB, even after he won an MVP – mind you the same season he threw for a league leading TDs.
I just saw him put up three points in a playoff game so forgive me if I remain skeptical…
Was that before or after he put up 20 in a playoff game?
It was against the Bills when he shat the bed. Lol “mvp” go watch the Chargers playoff game in 18, then watch last years Titans, then watch this years Bills.. that your “MVP” ? Until they switch out that running back for a QB they are spinning their wheels…
That’s the MVP as voted on by people who get paid in the game, not people talking smack on the internet.
It’s never a question of if a running QB will be seriously injured…it’s only a question of when.