Ravens '200 percent' committed to QB Lamar Jackson and long-term deal
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[January 20, 2023]
Only negotiations toward a landmark contract stand between the
Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson being mutually
committed to a long-term relationship.
Jackson can become an unrestricted free agent in March after
attempts by general manager Eric DeCosta and owner Steve Bisciotti
fell short of the former NFL MVP's expectations.
But head coach John Harbaugh and DeCosta said Thursday that the
Ravens are fully committed to Jackson and growing the offense around
his unique skill set.
"Eric wants him here, I want him here, Steve wants him here, and
Lamar wants to be here. It's gonna work out," Harbaugh said
Thursday.
Jackson, who turned 26 on Jan. 7, did not travel with the Ravens for
the wild-card playoff loss at Cincinnati, sparking speculation he
was ready to move on in the offseason. But Harbaugh said on Thursday
the Ravens feel so strongly about Jackson's place with the team that
he'll have a say in Baltimore's pick to replace Greg Roman at
offensive coordinator.
"One hundred percent," Harbaugh said. "Two hundred percent. There's
no question about it. Lamar Jackson is our quarterback. He's been
our quarterback. Everything we've done in terms of building an
offense and building the team, how we think in terms of putting
people around him, is based on this incredible young man, his
talent, his ability and his competitiveness.
"He and I were talking today, too, and the thing about Lamar that
stands out -- he's an incredible competitor. ... He's just a massive
competitor."
The Ravens have until March 7 at 4 p.m. ET to work out a deal with
Jackson or use the franchise tag to keep him from free agency.
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DeCosta said he's ready to resume negotiations with Jackson, but
getting back to the table won't win the war considering the Ravens
are expected to be just under $34 million below the 2023 salary cap.
That's not enough to meet the exclusive franchise tag projection for
quarterback at $45 million. The non-exclusive tag of around $32
million might sound more palatable. But it also guarantees the right
for other teams to negotiate with Jackson, who acts as his own
agent.
"We'll do what's best for the club," DeCosta said.
In September, Jackson reportedly turned down a five-year deal
through the 2027 season that included $133 million guaranteed at
signing. At issue for Jackson was the fully guaranteed deal the
Cleveland Browns gave Deshaun Watson. His five-year, $230 million
contract is an NFL anomaly in that it's fully guaranteed. Bisciotti
openly admitted the Watson deal is "groundbreaking, and it'll make
negotiations harder with others."
The Denver Broncos made
Russell Wilson the second-highest paid player in the NFL on Sept. 1.
His $49 million annual average salary stands behind only Aaron
Rodgers' $50 million per-year salary with the Green Bay Packers.
Patrick Mahomes (10 years, $503 million with the Chiefs) and
Jackson's lone successful quarterback draft class peer, Josh Allen
of the Buffalo Bills, includes $150 million guaranteed and a
potential sum of $258 million over six years.
DeCosta said Thursday he believes Jackson wants to finish his career
with the Ravens, and the franchise is eager to re-engage in contract
talks.
"It certainly takes two to tango," DeCosta said, adding he met with
Jackson on Thursday. "Our focus is to get a long-term deal done."
Baltimore drafted Jackson in the first round in 2018, after the
selections of Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Allen and Josh Rosen.
He has 12,209 yards with 101 passing touchdowns, and 4,437 rushing
yards with 24 TDs on the ground in 70 career games.
--Field Level Media
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