The deadline for Lamar Jackson to sign a long-term contract with the Ravens is quickly approaching, but nothing indicates that a deal is close at hand. That isn’t because Baltimore hasn’t made the quarterback an offer. According to Fox Sports, the Ravens have already made Jackson an offer that is higher in salary than Kyler Murray’s new contract with the Cardinals in an effort to secure his services beyond the 2022 season.
On the other hand, Jackson might be looking for a fully guaranteed contract similar to Deshaun Watson’s agreement with the Browns. “It’s a really big uphill battle here,” Jay Glazer reported ahead of Sunday’s Cardinals-Ravens preseason game.
“The reason why is because Lamar Jackson … is representing himself. … (The) Deshaun Watson deal kind of throws things out of whack, because I’m sure (Jackson) wants a fully guaranteed contract, (and) I don’t see (the Ravens) wanting to do that.”
Although Baltimore brass has previously made suggestions that Jackson is hesitant to enter into discussions, Jackson and the Ravens have both openly professed their willingness to be together for the long term. Since entering the league, the QB has defended himself, with assistance from his mother, rather than hiring a licensed NFL agent.
With free agency looming in 2023, he has also informally set the start of the 2022 season as the deadline for reaching a new contract. He has been frequently questioned about contract discussions but less about his durability. Following a dive at Jackson’s heels by Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, he missed the final four games of the 2021 season.
For the first time in his NFL career, Jackson missed games due to injury after getting out of the pocket and completing a pass. With his ability to break big runs and extend pass plays by dodging defenders, Jackson has emerged as one of the league’s greatest playmakers since taking over as the Ravens’ starting quarterback midway through the 2018 campaign. Jackson has been hit 710 times, which is 100 more than any other quarterback during that time, so there is a concern.
