Until quarterback Lamar Jackson is hung up on having a totally assured contract, I imagine there may be nonetheless an opportunity he and the Ravens conform to an extension by the tip of his self-imposed deadline this week.
The Ravens have a infamous historical past of lowballing gamers initially in contract negotiations, so it’s secure to imagine they’ll up the ante this week. Possibly they’ll provide Jackson one thing within the $46 to $49 million per season vary, which might put him in the identical firm as quarterbacks Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos, Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals and DeShaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns, all of whom will common $49 million within the offers they signed this offseason.
If Jackson, the NFL’s Most Useful Participant in 2019, desires $50 million per season just like the Inexperienced Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers, who's the league’s highest-paid quarterback, then Ravens normal supervisor Eric DeCosta ought to simply say no.
If Jackson desires his total contract assured — resembling what Cleveland gave Watson in March when the Browns signed him to $230 million contract — then the Ravens ought to permit him to play out his contract this season for $23 million then franchise him subsequent yr. The quarterback they draft in April can develop for a yr.
Actually, there are nonetheless doubts about whether or not Jackson has improved sufficient as a thrower to guide the Ravens to the Tremendous Bowl, a lot much less win one, particularly with the ineffective offensive play calling. However the offers signed by Wilson, Murray and Watson have set the precedent.
The Ravens don’t have to be silly, although. Jackson can’t play or throw like Rodgers and shouldn’t be paid as such. As for the absolutely assured contract Watson acquired, it simply merely reveals why the Browns are one of many worst mismanaged groups within the NFL. One agent instructed The Athletic that Cleveland’s take care of Watson was “disgusting” and “full, 100% franchise malpractice” that “sends the fallacious message.”
Wilson received $161 million assured and Murray received $189 million. Each of their offers have been for 5 years. The Rodgers and Watson contracts are exceptions, not the rule. In different phrases, Jackson may nonetheless obtain vital assured cash and are available again for an additional extension after three years.
It is sensible and is a win-win state of affairs for either side.
If an settlement is reached then Jackson, 25, appears good as a result of he held his floor, signed a brand new contract and made extra money regardless of being criticized for mainly negotiating his personal take care of his mom. The Ravens hold religion with their followers as a result of they signed their franchise-caliber quarterback avoiding a public relations catastrophe.
Some followers have already complained in regards to the crew’s unwillingness to signal a Black quarterback, regardless that 4 of the highest 5 highest-paid quarterbacks — Wilson, Murray, Watson and Kansas Metropolis’s Patrick Mahomes — are Black.
The Ravens have actually catered to Jackson in different methods. They modified their apply schedule. They took two tight ends — Isaiah Probably and Charlie Kolar — within the fourth spherical of April’s NFL draft to roll again the clock to 2019, when Jackson was the MVP after finishing 265 of 401 passes for 3,127 yards and an NFL-high 36 touchdowns in a decent end- and run-heavy offense.
The Ravens have constructed this offense round Jackson — on the sector by means of participant personnel and off it with participant salaries. They need him round for a number of extra years as a result of that’s when he’ll be at his peak.
However I believe something past three years is simply too dangerous for a quarterback who runs as a lot as Jackson. By then the Ravens ought to be capable to see any indicators of him slowing down from all of the punishment he has taken in eight years. As soon as Jackson loses his skill to maneuver and improvise, his play will probably diminish.
If the Ravens and Jackson can’t agree, then he'll receives a commission his wage this season and round $45 million if the Ravens determine to put the unique franchise tag on him in 2023. The Ravens also can tag him once more in 2024, a situation I don’t have an issue with both, which might be value about $55 million.
Jackson has mentioned he'll reduce off negotiations if a deal can’t be reached earlier than the season opener Sunday in opposition to the New York Jets as a result of he doesn’t need it to have an effect on his play. You may respect that regardless that Jackson has spent the final month posturing for a brand new deal on Twitter.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh mentioned Jackson is beneath contract and centered on soccer. Harbaugh was unaware of any updates however mentioned Jackson desires a brand new contract and the Ravens wish to get him a brand new deal.
Regardless, it seems the Ravens are going to should pay him now or later. However like most issues in life, nothing is absolutely assured.
Besides in Cleveland.
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