Has Lamar Jackson told Ravens he's playing out his rookie contract?

Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson raised eyebrows throughout the NFL community when he strongly suggested on Wednesday that he will not continue contract negotiations into the opening weekend of the upcoming season and his team's Week 1 game at the New York Jets on Sunday. 

"We’re still talking," Jackson said at that time. "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 and is on track to play on the final year of his rookie contract. It appears the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player may have already made a decision about such discussions even before Friday. 

For a piece published Thursday morning, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that "one person with knowledge of the situation told me Jackson made clear a few weeks ago that he's playing out his rookie contract after both sides failed to reach an agreement over the summer." 

Fowler added information about Jackson's supposed requests. 

"Jackson wants a fully guaranteed deal -- his dialogue with the team reflected that -- and Baltimore, despite efforts to improve its offer in recent weeks, simply hasn't wanted to go there," Fowler said. 

The Cleveland Browns controversially gave signal-caller Deshaun Watson $230 million fully guaranteed after they traded with the Houston Texans for his services in March. 

"This feels over. But the clock is ticking and there's another 24 hours to change that," Fowler continued about the Jackson situation. "Otherwise, the two-year standoff begins, with the fifth-year option of $23 million this year and the exclusive franchise tag of $40 million next year." 

On Wednesday, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio noted that Jackson's use of the word "probably" indicates any deadline for talks could be pushed back if the Ravens offer him exactly what he wants at some point after Friday. 

For now, however, Jackson appears headed toward having his rights through the 2023 season retained by Baltimore via the franchise tag.