Ravens QB Lamar Jackson will 'probably' cut off contract talks after this week

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh sounded optimistic about the future of star quarterback Lamar Jackson when he told reporters in July that "both sides are very motivated to get the job done" as it pertains to Jackson signing a long-term extension with the club before he would play on the final year of his rookie contract.

However, the parties haven't come to an agreement, and it's been thought that the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player wouldn't continue negotiations through this coming Sunday's regular-season opener at the New York Jets. Jackson essentially confirmed that news while speaking with media members on Wednesday. 

"We’re still talking," Jackson remarked about the situation, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "The week’s not over yet, but soon. Soon will probably be the deadline. Probably be cut off after this week." 

Jackson is serving as his own agent for discussions and added that he doesn't know how close he and the Ravens are to putting pen to paper on a deal. It was reported earlier in the day that "there's a measure of pessimism" regarding the contract talks, and there's currently no indication the two sides will reach a resolution before the first weekend of the campaign. 

Insiders have previously stated that the Ravens will use the franchise tag to retain Jackson's rights through the 2023 season if necessary.