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The Baltimore Ravens have been in negotiations with their star quarterback Lamar Jackson to extend his contract for over a year. And things are not going well.
According to sources, ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler says that the Ravens offered Jackson a contract that would pay him around $50 million per year, which would make him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. However, Jackson turned down the offer as it did not include a fully guaranteed contract, which is something he desires.
Details of the Offer
The offer made by the Ravens to Lamar Jackson was a lucrative one, with a potential value of around $250 million over the course of the contract if it’s a 5-year deal.
However, the issue with the offer was that only $133 million of the total amount was guaranteed. Jackson wants a fully guaranteed contract, which would ensure that he receives the entire amount, even if he were to suffer a career-ending injury.
Comparison with Other Contracts
Lamar Jackson’s desire for a fully guaranteed contract is not without precedent. Other quarterbacks, such as Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns, have received fully guaranteed contracts.
Watson’s contract was a five-year deal worth $230 million, which made him one of the highest-paid quarterback in the league at the time. Jackson’s desire for a contract that exceeds those guarantees is understandable, given his status as one of the league’s top quarterbacks and he has already won league MVP.
What’s Next
The Baltimore Ravens’ offer to Lamar Jackson of around $50 million per year shows that they recognize his value as a quarterback and want to secure his services for the long term.
However, Jackson’s desire for a fully guaranteed contract is a sticking point in negotiations, and he has turned down the offer as a result.
The comparison with other quarterbacks’ contracts, such as Deshaun Watson’s fully guaranteed deal, highlights the importance of guaranteed money in NFL contracts. It remains to be seen how negotiations between Lamar Jackson and the Ravens will progress, but it is clear that Jackson wants a contract that reflects his value and includes fully guaranteed money.