After saying he expects to stay in Baltimore for the remainder of his profession, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson on Thursday wouldn’t decide to taking part in coaching camp nor taking part in in Week 1 with out a contract extension.
“It’s part of the conversation,” Jackson, in his first information convention in additional than 5 months, repeatedly mentioned in response to a number of questions on his contract after Thursday’s apply.
Jackson, who doesn’t have an agent, mentioned his absence from the group’s voluntary offseason coaching actions was not contract associated. He reported Monday and took part in all three days of necessary minicamp.
“I just wanted to stay away and just grind,” he mentioned. “I just wanted to come back and just see how it felt. I feel good.”
The 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player mentioned he’s had conversations with group officers this week in Owings Mills associated to an extension, which may make him one of many highest-paid gamers within the NFL. The 24-year-old quarterback is coming into the ultimate 12 months of his rookie deal, which pays him $23 million this season as a part of the fifth-year choice the Ravens picked up final 12 months.
However, Jackson did say Thursday that he expects to play in Baltimore for the remainder of his profession.
“It’s a conversation. That’s all,” Jackson mentioned when requested about having contract negotiations earlier than the season. “We’re just keeping it private.”
Skipping coaching camp practices comes with stiff penalties underneath the league’s collective bargaining settlement. Teams are required to positive gamers who aren’t on rookie contracts — which incorporates Jackson, who’s on his fifth-year choice — $50,000 per day for absences.
In February, common supervisor Eric DeCosta mentioned the group was transferring at “Lamar’s pace” in contract negotiations. Ravens officers have mentioned they continue to be dedicated to signing Jackson to a long-term extension, but when a deal can’t be reached, the group is predicted to put the franchise tag on him subsequent 12 months.
In late May, Jackson responded to an NFL analyst who questioned why Jackson would miss the primary week of the group’s voluntary practices, saying different quarterbacks weren’t attending “but since it’s Lamar it’s a huge deal.” On Thursday, Jackson mentioned he requested his teammates if it was OK if he may do work away from OTAs.
Jackson additionally pushed again on group proprietor Steve Bisciotti’s suggestion that he didn’t suppose he was worthy of a contract till he received a Super Bowl, saying he feels he’s prepared.
“I still want my Super Bowl, though, but I think I’m worthy for it,” he mentioned. “Yes, sir. I do.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com