Teammate reveals what Lamar Jackson wants to do with Ravens

Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell has insisted quarterback Lamar Jackson wants to sign a long-term contract with the club this offseason. 

"He wants to get a deal done, and that’s the most important part," Campbell said of Jackson during a Thursday appearance on NFL Network, according to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. "Sometimes guys who are part of a team and don’t want to be there anymore, use [free agency] as an opportunity to go elsewhere. But he wants to be [with the Ravens]." 

Of course, Jackson likely won't reach free agency when the new league year opens on March 15. The Ravens are expected to retain his rights via the franchise tag if they don't sign him before this coming Tuesday's deadline for teams to use their tags. 

During the ongoing NFL combine, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta expressed optimism about coming to an agreement with Jackson before Tuesday. Head coach John Harbaugh made it known the club interviewed offensive coordinator candidates "based on Lamar being the quarterback." 

However, ESPN's Jamison Hensley noted as recently as Wednesday that Baltimore remains "reluctant" to give Jackson the type of massive fully guaranteed contract he allegedly desires. The 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player reportedly wants to outdo the five-year deal worth $230 million in fully guaranteed money that the Cleveland Browns gave Deshaun Watson last March. 

Multiple individuals have linked Jackson with the Miami Dolphins this week, in part due to Miami's concerns about the health of signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa. NFL insider Jason La Canfora suggested Jackson's issues with the Ravens have become personal, to the point that the 26-year-old may be willing to give a different team somewhat of a discount compared to what he wants from Baltimore. 

Campbell indicated Jackson remains committed to the Ravens. Somewhat ironically, Clifton Brown of the Ravens' website mentioned that the club using the franchise tag on Jackson could ultimately make Campbell a salary-cap casualty.