Insider provides Lamar Jackson contract update
The Ravens' No. 1 priority this offseason is extending QB Lamar Jackson. They're just a few weeks into their offseason and rumors about his future in Baltimore are swirling.
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler shed some light on the contract talks, but it's not the news Ravens fans were hoping for.
"Baltimore and Jackson could possibly be $100 million apart there, a massive gap to bridge," Fowler said. "Those trade calls are coming. I don't get the sense that that process has heated up, in part because teams are assuming Jackson will be tagged."
The 26-year-old is projected to receive a six-year, $244.58 million contract extension, according to Spotrac. The $40.7 million per year is still lower than the six other quarterbacks, including Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray and Deshaun Watson, which may be why the sides are still so far apart.
Jackson had 3,006 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight turnovers this year but missed the Ravens' final six games, including their Wild Card matchup with the Bengals.
If the two sides can't come to an agreement, a trade might be the only move left to be made. Jackson will likely be tagged, but if he doesn't want to play on it, things could get interesting in Baltimore.
Many of Jackson's teammates have continued to have his back in hopes he stays a Raven. TE Mark Andrews is the latest example.
The Ravens still have about a month to work things out with Jackson. But all eyes will be on March 7 as the tag deadline gets closer.
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