Much has been talked about recently regarding Lamar Jackson and the lack of traction on a new contract being worked on between him and the Ravens. As many have noted, the former MVP himself is seen as the main reason an extension doesn’t appear to be forthcoming in the immediate future. 
[RELATED: Latest On Ravens’ Jackson Extension Efforts]
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports that Jackson may not be eyeing a new deal at any point leading up to or during the upcoming campaign. As he writes, the 25-year-old “has told the Ravens that he’s currently too focused on having his best possible year and that he doesn’t want to do a deal until the 2022 season is over”. That would shed further light on the growing sense within the front office that a new contract isn’t on the horizon.
Adding to the comments recently made by owner Steve Bisciotti, Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network further details the perception of Jackson’s current priorities. The former’s thoughts on the matter echo the source Florio references above.
“It’s unique as hell because everybody expects you to say, ‘I’ve got to get mine now.’ The kid is so obsessed with winning a Super Bowl that I think, deep down, he doesn’t think he’s worthy” of a lucrative second contract, Bisciotti said. “I don’t think he is turned on by money that much, and he knows it’s coming one way or the other.”
Jackson made a public response to the speculation swirling around his future earlier this week. The two-time Pro Bowler is scheduled to make $23MM this year, and would be in line for sizeable raises after that if he were to play on the franchise tag. While it’s rare for franchise QBs to go that long without a long-term pact, Kirk Cousins represents a recent example of that being the case.
While the Ravens have repeatedly made it clear they are willing to put together a new contract whenever Jackson is ready to do so, putting a healthy return to the field and both individual and team success first would seem to be his top priority at this time. If that remains the case, one of the league’s most unique contract situations may remain in a holding pattern for quite some time.
Totally understand why people are so shocked a deal hasn’t been done yet, if I were the player or the team I would want it done already. That said, I can’t say I’m not happy to see a player actually play out his contract before getting or demanding another.
Shouldn’t sniff $40 million a season
Deshaun Watson, Matt Stafford, Dak Prescott, and Josh Allen all make at least $40m per. None of them have an MVP season or are as young as Lamar Jackson. But you’re right he shouldn’t sniff $40m. it should definitely be at least $50m
I really admire Jackson’s idea (if true) that he wants to earn his money by winning a championship. I really think that’s honorable and I you have to respect someone who wants to earn things rather than they be handed to him. That’s rare.
With that said, he is hurting himself rather badly by rejecting any form of deal outright. It’s not just about the money, it’s about the stability. As a player, Jackson has the right attitude, but from a business perspective, the lack of stability can hurt both him and the team with the distraction and uncertainty that being in limbo creates. Maybe it would be best for Jackson and the Ravens to agree to a temporary, short term pact for a couple of years if he feels that he’d like to win a championship before renegotiating. Or maybe he could take a deal at a lower price with much higher incentives.
Whatever the case may be, Lamar certainly must know that the longer he goes without something guaranteed, the more risk he is taking injury-wise, especially given his playstyle.
The concept of roster stability is a myth because as you point out in the last paragraph, a player is constantly at risk of a career ending injury any time he walks onto the field.
It’s only a mindset thing. Like you said, it’s an illusion primarily but it settles a distraction mentally. For the player it can be important though in the case of injury guarantees especially. It’s easier to focus on football when you’re not worried about losing money.
How often have we seen player performances tail off once they get that fat extension cheque? Quick contract settlements aren’t always in a team’s best interest.
Agreed. I was speaking from Jackson’s perspective.
Running quarterbacks have about 6 years in them. Franchise tag the guy a couple times and see what he has left at that point.
If he gets injured hes screwed.
Oh you mean, no one knows anything because he doesn’t have an agent that leaks things? As a Ravens fan I kind of hate that his mother reps him and a deal isn’t done.
As someone who kind of hates sports media members, it’s hilarious because they continuously write about things with no knowledge because he doesn’t give it to them. He had to defend a position he never took this week because media members assume a deal isn’t done that he doesn’t want to stay. He’s likely just betting on himself knowing the money is going to be there. That there is a baseline of what he will make as an MVP. Mike Florio and others don’t know anything more than us sitting at home. And that’s got to make them mad.
I agree with entirely in regards to the media. There is some part of this that is satisfying watching the ever petulant Mike Florio throw temper tantrums every other day on his blog. Admittedly it’s petty, yes, but those who live by the assumption should have a chance to be judged by it, no?
far from petty. most sports media people are rats who report half-stories and never apologize when they are wrong.
I mean it’s just the worst part about the media, not just in the sporting world. But when you have no information, you’re almost encouraged to make broad assumptions. So to have a Lamar come out and have to say “I love my team and want to retire here” and media to say “well why haven’t you signed a deal?” is just the kind of eye opener some people should need. A lot of times there is nothing there but it won’t stop a story from being fabricated.
Doesn’t think he’s worthy and not turned on by money?
WTF? Lamar Jackson oozes confidence and one of his stated goals in life is to become a billionaire. If anything he has a hyper sense of worthiness and he loves money so much that he’s mapped out a plan to maximize his career earnings to reach his goal. Or maybe his mother has mapped out that plan for him. Either way, he’s playing the long game and the Ravens had better start planning to match him step for step. And that means having an exit strategy at the QB position. They do not want to get caught with their pants down.
I mean I don’t love him but Tyler Huntley is the exit strategy. He isn’t Lamar but he also wasn’t the only reason they lost all of those games down the stretch.
What people don’t understand is the Ravens have tried to get a deal done every year since his MVP season. You can’t make a guy sign on the dotted line. Lamar has his reasons for not signing. It’s not money related.
Based on history of running QB’s, one or two non-exclusive franchise tags should get the play and the picks with no $250 million boat anchor guaranteed contract.
Ravens should be planning for a new starting quarterback in three years.