Mark Andrews: Lamar Jackson's contract won't distract Ravens

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Mark Andrews: Lamar Jackson's contract situation won't distract Ravens

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 9/6/22

Lamar Jackson wants a contract extension. The Baltimore Ravens play their first game of the 2022 NFL season in less than a week.

These two monumental tectonic plates of football can exist, at least according to one of Jackson's teammates.

We know that Jackson and the Ravens will halt any contract negotiations at the start of the season. That means if the two parties can't get a deal done rather quickly, Jackson will enter the final year of his current deal with no long-term assurances after 2022.

That could be bad for both quarterback and team. After all, having an elite quarterback is arguably one of the most important components of winning in today's NFL.

From Jackson's perspective, every hit he takes in 2022 would also come with incredible risk. A significant injury could cost him millions of dollars or even his long-term future in the NFL.

Those are some very big rain clouds over what otherwise should be an exciting season for the Ravens. For what it's worth, though, tight end Mark Andrews doesn't seem to be worried about distractions.

In fact, when asked on "Get Up" if Jackson's contract situation will be a distraction for Baltimore, Andrews quickly answered, "Nah."

Mark Andrews on “Get Up” when asked if Lamar Jackson’s contract situation will be a distraction: “Lamar approaches football in a different light. He’s a focused dude. He cares about winning.” pic.twitter.com/KcnEWftLQ9
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 6, 2022

"Lamar approaches football in a different light. He's a focused dude. He cares about winning. Everything that's happened this offseason with the contract, no one [has] even heard anything about it from him," Andrews said.

"He's a true pro. He cares about this team, this year, and what we can do. I know Lamar's locked in. I know he's focused. He's not going to let any of that contract stuff affect his play."

While Jackson clearly has the support of his teammates, it will be interesting to see what happens to his game when that first big-hit opportunity comes along. Will he continue to be the explosive and fearless playmaker that made him the league MVP, or will he think twice before putting his future at risk?

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