Lamar Jackson, who represents himself, says contract negotiations with Ravens will have ‘cutoff’
As star players around the NFL are rewarded handsomely with new contract extensions, one situation continues to loom as an almost haunting specter over all the money flying around.
Is Lamar Jackson — one of the only unanimous MVPs (2020) in league history and a superstar quarterback — going to get a new deal from the Ravens?
As Baltimore dives headfirst into their 2022 training camp, that was one of Thursday’s pertinent topics at hand with Jackson on the mic during a scheduled press conference. At this late stage, just about a month before the new NFL season, talks don’t appear to be going too well.
According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Jackson is “hopeful” he’ll get a new contract soon. But, even more crucially, he’s going to set a deadline on getting something done before the Ravens’ opener with the Jets in Week 1. Hmm.
More from ESPN:
“Asked if believes a deal will get done with the Ravens, Jackson said, ‘I think so. I think so. I think so. We’ll have to see.'”
“Will a deal happen before the Sept. 11 opener against the New York Jets? ‘I said there is going to be a cutoff ,’ Jackson responded. ‘So, hopefully.'”
Woof that isn’t very encouraging.
Jackson’s words are notable because he’s one of the few NFL stars who doesn’t have a formal agent. He represents himself, so he’s the one doing all of the negotiating. For the franchise quarterback to say there’ll be a concrete deadline before he starts the fifth-year option part of his rookie contract is very definitive because he’s the source.
Whatever happens with Jackson and the Ravens, Baltimore would do well to remember they have a uniquely gifted player under center. If Jackson is potentially frustrated by negotiations, they should probably appease him. How, you might ask?
By giving him the money that he’s earned.