Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has made a stunning revelation regarding his contract situation citing the deal hit a snag due to the team’s unwillingness to offer him a contract to match his value.
Jackson was selected by the Ravens in the 2018 NFL draft. In his five seasons and 70 games with the Baltimore, he threw 12,209 yards, 101 touchdowns, and 38 interceptions.
The ace QB got a non-exclusive tag from the Ravens with a tender of $32.416 million in 2023, allowing him to negotiate with other teams to match his expectations, albeit the team can also decide to retain him by matching his contract.
What did Lamar Jackson say about his trade decision?
The Ravens veteran QB Lamar Jackson tweeted a series of tweets from his personal account to disclose the information of seeking a new contract with the Ravens by requesting a trade on 2nd March, albeit the negotiations have not progressed as the team isn’t interested to pay him his deserving value.
The former NFL MVP expressed gratitude to his fans while stating that he had to make a business decision for himself and his family outside the court, albeit he assured the Ravens fans of possibly witnessing him again on the team.
A letter to my Fans
I want to first thank you all for all of the love and support you consistently show towards me. All of you are amazing and I appreciate y’all so much. I want you all to know not to believe everything you read about me. Let me personally answer your questions
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023
win the super bowl. You all are great but I had to make a business decision that was best for my family and I. No matter how far I go or where my career takes me, I’ll continue to be close to my fans of Baltimore Flock nation and the entire State of Maryland. You’ll See me again
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023
The Ravens coach John Harbaugh opened up to the media after Jackson’s tweet revelation remarking he expects the QB to be a Raven come week 1.
“Thinking about Lamar all the time, thinking about him as our quarterback, we’re building our offense around that idea. I’m just looking forward to getting back to football and I’m confident that’s gonna happen”, Harbaugh said
Coach Harbaugh from owners meetings: pic.twitter.com/TOcrMPZeX3
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 27, 2023
The sports personality Colin Cowherd instantly responded to Jackson’s opinions citing looking for a fully guaranteed deal only could backfire on the Ravens QB as the market is really small.
“If he is going to demand a fully guaranteed contract I think the market is really small. Very rarely do you get a high-profile athlete in their prime former MVP and ugly contract negotiations”, Colin stated.
.@ColinCowherd reacts to Lamar Jackson requesting a trade pic.twitter.com/tujSPVhg4K
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) March 27, 2023
Earlier the former San Francisco 49ers CB Richard Sherman pointed fingers at two of the NFL’s most promising quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, for the delay in Lamar Jackson’s contract negotiations citing they failed to capitalize on fully guaranteed deals like Kirk Cousin’s.
Only Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers, and Deshaun Watson have been successful in signing fully-guaranteed contracts in the history of the NFL. Jackson also expressed earlier his intention of playing for the team where he will get his due value.
The situation has added a new layer of drama to the upcoming NFL season, as the Ravens look to make a deep playoff run with Jackson under center.
It remains to be seen whether the Ravens will be able to come to an agreement with their star quarterback before the start of the new season, or whether they will be forced to look for other options in the coming months.
Will Jackson end up in the Ravens? Or Will he find his new destination? What do you think? Tell us in the comments.
