Insider: Lamar Jackson, Ravens situation has gotten personal

NFL insider Jason La Canfora has indicated quarterback Lamar Jackson won't budge in negotiations with the Baltimore Ravens because the situation is personal for the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player. 

"I think the deal he takes for the next guy who he hasn’t risked five years of his neck for, who he hasn’t played through injury for, who he hasn’t won an MVP for, who hasn’t come out publicly and said ‘I’m not sure you’re worth my money and I don’t think you even really think you are,'" La Canfora said about Jackson during the latest edition of the "In The Huddle" podcast, according to Ryan Gilbert of Audacy. "I think he’ll cut them a better deal than he’s going to cut (the Ravens)."

Jackson may or may not be holding out for a fully guaranteed contract from the Ravens which exceeds the five-year, $230 million deal Deshaun Watson received from the Cleveland Browns last year. Baltimore has until next Tuesday's deadline to use either the exclusive or non-exclusive franchise tag to retain Jackson's rights for 2023. 

La Canfora suggested Jackson would threaten to sit out rather than play on the tag for the Ravens. 

"You want me to play for one more year on a franchise tag for you? Another prove-it deal? A sixth year where I have no future money coming to me besides what the (collective bargaining agreement) stipulates? Nah, bro. Nah," La Canfora continued about Jackson. 

Injuries sidelined Jackson for 10 of Baltimore's last 22 games including the postseason, per Jeremy Fowler and Jamison Hensley of ESPN, and some have said they believe the 26-year-old could've played through a knee issue for the playoff matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in January. 

Meanwhile, it's assumed Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta will use the exclusive franchise tag on Jackson so he can ask for more than two first-round draft picks from any team interested in the signal-caller. La Canfora named the Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions as teams that could kick the tires on trading for Jackson. 

DeCosta insisted on Wednesday he is "hopeful that we’ll get a deal done with Lamar before" the franchise tag deadline. La Canfora clearly isn't buying what DeCosta was selling.