Getty Image / G Fiume
With Lamar Jackson ruled out for tomorrow’s matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, it seems unlikely that we will see him suit up for the Ravens again this season.
Unfortunately for Ravens fans, it is currently unclear whether they will ever actually see him back in their team’s jersey.
Jackson is not currently under contract beyond this season after extension negotiations didn’t result in a new deal last offseason.
There are many out there who have speculated that the inability to reach an agreement on an extension has contributed to the extended absence that has kept Jackson from appearing for the Ravens in over a month.
Whether or not that had any impact, it looks like it might not be something Jackson has to worry about for much longer.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Ravens are planning to restart negotiations with Jackson on a long-term deal once this season ends.
Despite the injury, the #Ravens' stance on signing QB Lamar Jackson long-term hasn’t changed. They plan to negotiate whenever the season ends.
My story: https://t.co/Tkdl2QtGJm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2023
Giving Jackson a long-term deal is absolutely the right move for the Baltimore Ravens even with his injury issues over the past couple of seasons.
It is difficult to find a franchise QB in the NFL and, despite any criticism he attracts because of his run-heavy style of play, Jackson has proven throughout his career he is a franchise quarterback.
He has already won an MVP award in the first 5 years of his NFL career and this will be the Ravens’ 4th playoff appearance since Jackson became their starter.
Those playoff appearances have yet to go past the Divisional Round, but the current Ravens roster looks like it could be the one to change that if it can get healthy in 2023.
How much money Jackson is looking for this offseason will obviously have a big impact on how this negotiation plays out, but it looks like the Ravens want to see what this roster can do at its best as they head into the offseason.