For weeks now we’ve heard rumblings and rumors about Lamar Jackson, his contract status and how the Ravens want to break bread but they haven’t hit a number that wets Jackson’s whistle yet.
Heading into the fifth and final year of his rookie deal, the 2019 NFL MVP hasn’t shown a sense of urgency to get an extension done with the Ravens.
Playing The Race Card?
Jackson recently took an interesting negotiating approach by saying on a talk show that the NFL is still biased against Black quarterbacks. Surveying the responses on several social media platforms, Jackson’s comments in a trailer for Season 5 of LeBron James’ “The Shop” triggered a good amount of non-melanated folks who claim he was playing the race card to get paid.
Via the NY Post:
“During an appearance on LeBron James’ ‘The Shop,’ the conversation turned to times in which the NBA star feels disrespected, and James brought the topic to Jackson.
“It’s dying off, but it’s still there,” James said about a bias against black quarterbacks.
“It’s still there,” Jackson agreed. “That’s why I need that championship.”
Risking It All?
Systemic challenges are something Jackson is very familiar with as he was the last of five quarterbacks picked in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft. And one GM even suggested that the Heisman winner switch to wide receiver.
All of that aside, Jackson has proved himself and the Ravens are willing to deal.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter mentioned that he’d be leery of Jackson stepping on the field without a deal done. While FS1 personality Chris Broussard believes Jackson needs to get a deal done ASAP and have that security that all players crave.
But Broussard also believes that Jackson could use a bounce-back year, after the decline in his play since his MVP season.
Then there’s Stephen A. Smith, who questions Jackson’s thought process, about the entire situation. On a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, Smith went unfiltered with his opinion of the chess (checkers?) game Lamar is playing concerning his contract.
Reports have surfaced that Jackson might want up to $40M a year in a long-term extension, which might be significantly more than the Ravens are willing to spend.
“One,” SAS said on Friday’s “First Take” episode…he’s not hearing what he wants to hear from the Ravens organization. Or, two, he ain’t the brightest damn candle on the birthday cake. Because there’s no reason (for the delay), if it’s $250 million on the table. You don’t step on the field without a contract for a team when that much is at risk. That would make you the worst businessman on our planet.”
Jackson represents himself and has no agent, so any deal done would be on his terms.
Ravens GM Wants To Get A Deal Done: No Way Jackson Steps On The Field Without A New Deal
There’s no way Lamar Jackson takes the field in 2022 minus a new lucrative long-term deal.
To find out more about NFL quarterback Lamar Jackson’s progress on a long-term deal with the Baltimore Ravens, click here.
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