Ravens Star Lamar Jackson Broke His Silence on Contract Talks With a Revealing Response
Throughout the offseason, the Baltimore Ravens have faced questions about Lamar Jackson’s long-term future with the franchise.
As he remains without a lucrative extension, it has kept the conversation open with uncertainty.
Jackson finally brought some more clarity to the situation by airing this week that his discussion with the Ravens will remain private, but that he still holds a strong love for the Ravens.
“Absolutely. I love the Ravens. I love this organization. I love this city,” Jackson said after an offseason practice Wednesday via ESPN. “This is the team that drafted me. I love Baltimore. Everyone should know that by now.”
It hasn’t been a question about whether Jackson enjoys playing for Baltimore, but rather if the organization holds that same sentiment toward its franchise cornerstone.
Baltimore is hoping to extend the two-time league MVP’s contract, which has just two years left on his five-year, $260 million deal signed in April 2023. His current contract carries a salary cap hit of $84.34 million next offseason, which would be the second-highest in the NFL.
Beyond that, it would significantly limit the Ravens’ ability to build their roster around Jackson further. It gives Baltimore even more reason to give him a new deal that will give the team more financial flexibility moving forward while keeping him in tow for the foreseeable future.
Want $250 to bet on the NFL?
Meanwhile, there could be some pause on giving Jackson the deal he wants due to his struggles to stay on the field in recent seasons, especially after coming off another injury-plagued campaign that saw him miss four games.
There will need to be a draw-through line between both sides if they hope to reach an agreement that both get Jackson near what he wants on his next deal, while maintaining the Ravens’ financial flexibility moving forward.
