Lamar Jackson blasts idea he sat final six games because of money

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Lamar Jackson debunks narrative that he sat final six games because of money

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 3/29/23

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson just may be the most scrutinized player in the NFL right now.

Jackson, who has actively used his Twitter account over the last few weeks to dispel reports regarding his contract negotiations with the Ravens, fired off a series of tweets Tuesday night debunking the rumor that he sat out the final six games of the 2022 season (including the playoffs) to avoid an injury, which would drive down the price of his next contract.

Let’s get real. I rather have a 100% PCL than go out there and play
horrible forcing myself to put my guys in a bad situation now that’s selfish to me.
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 29, 2023

All in All I love you all ❤️ don’t ever think I have an attitude speaking on the net Only if we losing I don’t know anyone who smiles after losing or play around you should not play sports bro. Other than that I’m in great spirits at all times if you know me you know
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 29, 2023

Jackson sustained a PCL injury against the Denver Broncos in Week 13. Jackson sat out the rest of the season while recovering despite initially being expected to miss just one to three weeks. Baltimore, which was 8-4 before his injury, won just two of its final five regular season games to finish 10-7 before losing to the Cincinnati Bengals in the wild card round of the playoffs.

The Ravens placed the non-exclusive right franchise tag on Jackson, leaving the 26-year-old former MVP to negotiate with other teams. If Jackson were to sign an offer sheet elsewhere, Baltimore would have five days to match the contract or let him walk in exchange for two first-round picks.

If Jackson isn’t signed by another team, he will play under franchise tag in 2023, which carries a $32.416 million cap hit. Teams can also trade for Jackson as opposed to signing him to an offer sheet but the QB would have to sign the franchise tag first to accommodate such a deal.

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