Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been requested numerous questions on his contract negotiations over the previous few months. He’s been requested whether or not he expects to stay in Baltimore (he does) and whether or not Deshaun Watson’s absolutely assured deal issues to him (it doesn’t). He’s been requested whether or not he feels worthy of an extension (he does) and whether or not discussions will proceed up till the season kicks off Sunday (they gained’t).
On Wednesday, Jackson received a brand new query about his contract negotiations, one he hadn’t appeared to contemplate. The 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player’s deadline for an extension is Friday. The Ravens open the season Sunday in opposition to the New York Jets. With Jackson probably simply days away from taking part in out the ultimate 12 months of his rookie contract, a rarity for stars of his magnitude, had he thought-about taking out loss-of-value and incapacity insurance coverage insurance policies that may provide safety in case of a career-threatening harm?
“I haven’t thought about any injuries, or anything like that,” he stated. “I just came off one last season, and I’m feeling pretty good this season. I don’t even want to put that in the atmosphere. So on to the next question on that one.”
For so long as Jackson’s unsigned, there’ll at all times be a subsequent query. Over the 12 months and a half during which Ravens officers have needed to negotiate a long-term extension, Jackson’s contract standing has morphed into one of many NFL’s greatest storylines. Every new quarterback megadeal brings a brand new knowledge level for Jackson, a brand new query from reporters, a brand new wrinkle within the Ravens’ narrative.
Amid all of the uncertainty is possibly the least flustered particular person in the entire affair: Jackson himself. Perhaps as a result of he is aware of that, no matter occurs on the sphere this season, he’s financially safe in a method that few NFL veterans getting into their contract 12 months might ever dream of being.
Jackson will make $23 million this season, a discount for a Pro Bowl-level quarterback. If the Ravens can’t strike a deal earlier than he turns into an unrestricted free agent subsequent offseason, they’re anticipated to designate Jackson with the franchise tag. Under an unique franchise tag, Jackson would doubtless be owed about $45 million in 2023.
What would possibly cease the Ravens from reinvesting? The checklist is brief. Serious harm wasn’t sufficient to discourage the Cowboys final 12 months. In 2020, star quarterback Dak Prescott, taking part in on the franchise tag — and reportedly with insurance coverage insurance policies in place — suffered a season-ending ankle harm in Week 5. In March 2021, Dallas positioned an unique franchise tag on the rehabilitating Prescott for the second straight season. A day later, he signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension that included the richest signing bonus in NFL historical past.
“As cliche as it is, and I’ll say it again, I’m insulted when people say I gambled, because you get out what you put into something,” Prescott stated of taking part in on the tag. “And as I’ve said, I’ve given so much and I’m going to continue to give. And that’s how you reap the rewards.”
Added Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones: “The truth is most anything that I’ve ever been involved in that ended up being special, I overpaid for, every time, to the end. Anytime I’ve tried to get a bargain, I got just that, it was a bargain in a lot of ways and not up to standard.”
Jackson has largely prevented scandal off the sphere and accidents on it. Before a bone bruise in his ankle sidelined him for the ultimate four-plus video games of final season, Jackson had missed simply three begins over his three years as a full-time starter: as soon as for relaxation forward of the playoffs, as soon as due to a coronavirus an infection and as soon as due to an sickness.
If preserving Jackson in 2023 someway proved untenable, the Ravens’ potential succession plans could be restricted. Tyler Huntley has emerged as one of many NFL’s higher backup quarterbacks, however his arm power limits his potential as a passer, and his operating capacity falls in need of Jackson’s generational skills. Trading for a beginning quarterback might be prohibitively costly. The 2023 class of free-agent quarterbacks, aside from 45-year-old Tom Brady, is undistinguished.
Even if the Ravens wished to maneuver on from Jackson by drafting a quarterback in late April, they’d should resolve by March 7, when the window to designate gamers with the franchise tag closes.
For a franchise that values stability and success, a divorce subsequent spring appears unlikely. The alternative value might be huge. Ravens normal supervisor Eric DeCosta has reiterated his dedication to preserving Jackson in Baltimore, and Jackson has reiterated his want to remain. He stated Wednesday that he doesn’t see any higher threat in taking part in this season than he did final season or in 2020.
“I wasn’t thinking about contract negotiations around that time,” he stated. “This season, it’s going to be the same thing, but I’m just playing football. Anything can happen, but God forbid the wrong thing happens. I’m keeping God first and just playing ball, like I’ve been doing.”
As Jackson turns his consideration to the Ravens’ season, teammates and coaches have performed the identical. Coach John Harbaugh stated Monday that whereas he’s “very hopeful” the 2 sides can agree on a brand new deal, “the focus remains on the football.” Cornerback Marlon Humphrey stated Wednesday that Jackson “doesn’t really talk” about his contract negotiations. He wasn’t apprehensive a couple of distraction, or their future.
“I think it’s definitely interesting how it’s going, for sure, but nobody knows what’s going on,” Humphrey stated, grinning. “He’s his own agent, so I guess whatever conversations they’re having, hopefully, they’re good. Hopefully, they can get done pretty soon here. But I have no doubt he’ll be here for his whole career, so I’m excited about that, being his teammate for a long time.”
Week 1
RAVENS@JETS
Sunday, 1 p.m.
TV: Chs. 13, 9
Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM
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Source: www.bostonherald.com