Much of the talk surrounding Lamar Jackson‘s ongoing negotiations with the Ravens has been based on speculation. Now, we’re hearing directly from the source. The quarterback told reporters today that he continues to negotiate a new deal with the Ravens, although he was clear that the two sides were “keeping [details] in-house.” When asked if he believed he’d ultimately agree to an extension, the quarterback expressed optimism about a deal.
[RELATED: Latest On Lamar Jackson Contract Talks]
“I think so. I think so. I think so. We’ll have to see,” Jackson said (via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley).
Jackson did tell reporters that he’s got a clear “cutoff” date for negotiations, so the Ravens are working against an unofficial deadline (whenever that may be, although Jackson was speaking to a question regarding Baltimore’s September 11 opener). ESPN’s Jeff Darlington tweets that we’ll get clarity on negotiations soon; either Jackson agrees to a new deal with the Ravens or he stops negotiations with a focus on the 2022 campaign. The 25-year-old is slated to earn $23MM in 2022 on the fifth-year option.
The former MVP is one of the few NFL players who doesn’t have an agent and represents himself. When asked if he thought about staging a “hold in” and avoiding on-field work during the first days of training camp, Jackson made it clear that he never considered the negotiating tactic.
“I want to win at the end of the day. I just want to be great,” Jackson said. “I just want to work with my brothers. I don’t want to leave them out there hanging. That’s not me. That’s never been me.”
At the very least, this is good news for Ravens fans, as there were some question marks surrounding Jackson’s desire to stay in Baltimore long-term. We heard earlier today that Jackson was interested in sticking around Baltimore and was discussing a new contract with the organization, although no agreement was imminent.
He may be dumb bit maybe not stupid. He’s not worth the salary he’s looking for. Legs will be gone soon and he needs them. Franchisee tag him once or maybe twice. Then cut bait
They’d be stupid to give him the going rate for other mediocre QB’s.
The NFL would be a boring place if everyone tried to win the Super Bowl the exact same way. I sure would love to see one of those teams with a bottom tier QB try some triple option stuff instead of running QB draws on third and 9 because your QB can’t be trusted to throw the ball under pressure.
Maybe because that one way actually works.
The Ravens actually won their first SB in a very non conventional way. They ran the ball a ton with Jamal Lewis, threw to Shannon Sharpe, won 5 games that season with the only points of the game being scored by Matt Stover the kicker or the defense and Stover.
The second one they won was with a more traditional style for current NFL. Passing and a good defense.
But run first QB’s all have the same story. They usually don’t end well unless they make the change to being a pocket passer.
“I think so. I think so. I think so. We’ll have to see,”
It appears that Lamar will have a career after football doing Robert De Niro impressions.
I was thinking more of Mushmouth from Fat Albert, Albert will be played by JaMarcus Russell.
Ravens should sign him for 50 million for 12 years all guaranteed. Remember he is the greatest ever!
Flacco has the rings though.