It was a disappointing 2021 season for the Baltimore Ravens due to the bevy of injuries they dealt with.
One of the players sidelined was quarterback Lamar Jackson who missed their last four games due to an ankle injury.
But when he was healthy, he was playing at an MVP-like level to carry the team.
Having seen similar performances over the last four years, the Ravens should be prioritizing the negotiations for his new deal.
However, the chatter regarding those conversations is not as loud as the one currently happening with Kyler Murray.
Still, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta assured that a new deal will be finalized, as shared by ESPN’s Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley.
Hensley said, “Ravens GM Eric DeCosta on contract talks with Lamar Jackson: ‘I think it takes two sides to actively put their heads together and get a deal worked out. We are ready to be there for Lamar at any point. When he decides that he really wants to work on it, we will be.'”
Jackson will be playing the 2022 season under a fifth-year team option worth $23,016,000.
Having him under contract for one more year gives them much time to discuss an extension.
What Will Jackson’s New Deal Look Like?
Unlike Murray, Jackson does not have an agent, meaning that he will be the one directly negotiating with the Ravens.
Both team and player can discuss the deal whenever they are ready and without a third-party agent which could even be detrimental at times.
Likewise, he doesn’t have to give any commissions which could be a notable part of the player’s contract.
Therefore, both sides could agree to a lower number, given that Jackson gets to keep all of the money.
Yet a fair deal for Jackson should start at $40 million annually because that’s where Dak Prescott is at.
He deserves additional dollars because he’s a former league MVP and has constantly brought Baltimore to the playoffs except for last season.
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