If you’ve been following the contract negotiation updates between the Ravens and star quarterback Lamar Jackson, you’ve been hearing about a young kid without proper representation lackadaisically going through “unusual” procedures. Well, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, those plugged into the situation believe Jackson is in far more control than has been illustrated. 
Baltimore has reportedly presented offers to the 25 year-old focusing on term rather than annual average. Even so, long-term in this situation is being defined as five years or more. These long-term offers to Jackson apparently value in the realm of $35MM per year. In either respect, it doesn’t sound like the offers compare to those of fellow star quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes (10-year, $45MM aav) or Josh Allen (6-year, $43.01MM aav). General manager Eric DeCosta has repeatedly stated that, when Jackson wants to talk, he’s ready to work towards a deal.
Casual observers have frequently made comments that it would be much more prudent for Jackson to allow an agent to move forward with negotiations that could land him a deal worthy of his talents while allowing him to focus on his play. Jackson has confidence he can do both, and those casual observers may come to agree if they learn what Jackson is aiming for.
According to La Canfora’s sources, Jackson isn’t looking at Mahomes and Allen when thinking about his options moving forward, Jackson is looking at Vikings’ quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins, who is not considered on the same level as Mahomes, Allen, and Jackson, played out his rookie contract, played out two franchise tags, then captured a fully-guaranteed, three-year deal worth $84MM.
If Jackson follows this route, he is set to earn $23.02MM in the 2022 NFL season. This year’s franchise tag value for quarterbacks is set at $28.6MM. It will be adjusted, and likely increased, next year and the year after. Plus, when a player receives a franchise tag for the second year in a row, instead of getting paid the value of the tag, they are paid 120% of its value. So, to illustrate the inherent value there, if the franchise tag numbers were to stay the same over the next two years (they won’t), Jackson’s next three seasons would pay out $23.02MM, $28.6MM, and $34.32MM respectively. Following that, Jackson would be a former-MVP quarterback on the market before he turns 30, an extremely rare commodity.
If Cousins was able to leverage that situation into a three-year, $84MM deal, think what Jackson could earn. Jackson is obviously worth more than Cousins’ $28MM per year and over a short-term deal Jackson could net an even higher average still. Not to mention that every year, the market increases. With gambling money pouring in and record media deals paying dividends, NFL contracts continue to skyrocket. Cousins’ deal was made in 2018. In 2025, a top-tier quarterback may be able to earn up to $50MM per year if contract numbers continue to climb.
Allowing Lamar to carry those cap numbers over the next three years could truly hamper the Ravens’ ability to surround him with talent. The way Jackson sees it, he is betting on himself in the short-term but sees an opportunity to cash in either way. He has placed himself in an enviable position that tells Baltimore they don’t have to pay him what he’s asking for, but, if they don’t, it won’t do their cap space any favors.
Expect for Jackson to continue waiting patiently for a deal he can’t say “no” to. Until then, Jackson will continue to focus on his play. As long as he stays healthy and continues to perform at the level he’s shown he can, Jackson is due for a payday regardless of when a deal gets made.
The only problem with following the Cousins’ model is that Cousins plays the position in a remarkably injury-free way and thus was able to gamble on his own health, Jackson’s predilection for running, however, will only make him more and more injury-prone as he ages.
Ask ANY viqueens fan if they think that cousins deal was worth it? Just because a deal exists doesn’t mean it was a good/smart one. Minn continues to massively overpay an average QB. That’s on them.
But the point is that Cousins was in a good position in free agency. He had 2-3 teams desperate for a average to above average QB so his value superceded his talent.
And as a Vikings fan, though he may not be worth what he’s making, he is an above average QB. Last 2 years it’s been mostly defense and offensive play calling that’s been the main problems. And he sure as hell was better than Bradford, Bridgewater, and Keenum.
Cousins has consistently been above average sinxe starting in the league. People really don’t like him, and I understand that he is not the kind of player who can carry a team on his own, but he’s accomplished more consistent results than Jackson has statistically. Aside from the MVP award, which is notable, Jackson has yet to put up what Cousins has the last few years. And now, with Mahomes, Watson, and Allen signing extensions, Cousins’ deal is not as ludicrous as it was when it was signed.
I don’t think that we can say that Jackson is “obviously” more valuable than Cousins right now. That may change in the future, but as of now, Jackson needs to prove that he can be consistent if he wants to move up in NFL valuations.
Two words always enter my mind when it comes to Jackson: Cam Newton.
Lamar not even close to worth $35 million per year.
Terrible strategy. This is exactly why he should just hire an agent. Injuries have already began to be a problem for him. As most predicted they would. He’s going to lose out on a ton of cash like this. I’ll be surprised if he’s even still playing at his age 31 season. And even if it were to workout as planned, he’s totally hamstringing his teams ability to build around him.
If he’s looking at the franchise tag route how bout a 3 year 100mill. 50guaranteed and 3rd year qb option. Even include a no trade clause to help persuade Jackson
Player option *
Well, to be honest, I didn’t see enough difference between him and Huntley to say he’s worth $35 million. Granted, Jackson passed for 108 yards per game more, but Huntley never had 3-4 years to play with the 1’s. The rushing is very similar with Huntley averaging more yards per carry, by 0.5 yds/ carry actually. So, just my opinion, until Lamar shows he can read a defence properly and not have to run all the time, (aside from designed runs), I don’t think anything above $28 million is a good idea. HOWEVER, if they think that he will become that guy who can read a D AND do all that he does with his unbelievable physical skills, then pay him $35 million/ year for 6 years and get to playing ball. He doesn’t deserve Mahomes money yet because he hasn’t won a SB nor been to one, is 1-3 in the playoffs, and just isn’t Patrick Mahomes. He’s not even Josh Allen. Allen is 3-3 in playoffs, but sure deserved a better fate this past year. That was coaching that killed him. He did EVERYTHING HE COULD DO TO HELP THAT TEAM WIN, but the poor decisions at the end cost them that game. Anyway, I’m not the GM or the one cutting the cheques. We will see what Baltimore thinks. He can still sign for $28-$30 million and save the 3% the NFL caps agents at. But they do take much more for endorsements.
Botton line, I wish him well and hope he gets $45 million a year, I just don’t think that happens. All players should make more in my opinion. The owners make a lot, as they should, but players should get a bigger cut.