If the Baltimore Ravens want to lock up Lamar Jackson before he becomes a free agent, the team will have to act fast. Jackson hinted Saturday that he will cut off negotiations with the Ravens once the regular season begins.
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Jackson was asked if he had a deadline to get an extension. He replied, “Yeah, we’re getting close. It’s coming. The season is coming. We’re going to be good for the season.” Jackson said he had nothing new to share about those conversations. In June, Jackson, who does not have an agent, said he would keep his talks with the Ravens private.
While things have been quiet so far, there’s no way the Ravens are going to let Jackson hit the free agent market. Jackson is a franchise-changing quarterback. In 3 1/2 seasons as a starter, Jackson has already won an MVP award, made an All-Pro team and two Pro Bowls. The Ravens have made the playoffs in three of the four seasons since drafting Jackson.
How Much Will Lamar Jackson Get Paid?
Jackson is slated to make a lot of money in his next contract. Using recent quarterback extensions as a guideline, Jackson can go a number of different ways with his new deal. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers opted for a high annual salary and will make roughly $50 million in each of the next three seasons. Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson reached a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal, an unprecedented contract in the NFL. Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray topped Watson’s deal, getting $230.5 million, though Murray wasn’t guaranteed as much.
Jackson will likely try to beat Murray’s $230.5 million figure. While Murray has shown flashes of brilliance, Jackson has performed much better throughout his career. He has a good argument for getting more money.
The Ravens open the season against the New York Jets on September 11. The two sides have a little less than a month to figure out Jackson’s new deal.
Lamar Jackson wants his new contract for the start of the regular season. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)