Ravens: CBS Sports says Lamar Jackson should demand $43 million
In the NFL, quarterbacks get paid fairly well. On Friday, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen agreed to a six-year contract extension that is worth $258 million with a $150 million guaranteed. The extension gives Allen an average salary of $43 million per year and makes him the NFL’s second-highest-paid quarterback.
Allen’s extension could pave the way for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson to receive a big contract of his own.
One analyst believes that Jackson should hold out if the money per season doesn’t match or exceed Allen’s.
According to CBS Sports writer Cody Benjamin, Jackson should demand for at least $43 million per season.
In his explanation, Benjamin credits Jackson athleticism on why he should earn equal to or more than Allen.
"“Allen not only clearing $40M per year but approaching Mahomes’ $45M per-year average makes it a near-certainty that Jackson will — or should — hold out for at least $43M per season, which is what Allen will get on his extension. But his athleticism has always made him likely to earn as much, if not more, than Allen on a new deal. Put it this way: Allen may be the superior passer, but Jackson is the NFL’s closest thing to Mahomes in terms of physical gifts, and both he and the Ravens know it.”"
It’s fair to assume Jackson will earn nearly as much Allen. During his three years in the NFL, the former league MVP has a 30-7 regular-season record, has been to the playoffs each year, notched 87 total touchdowns, and is regarded as one of the most sensational quarterbacks in the league.
Talks of a new contract for Jackson have been heating up for months. Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta noted in a pre-draft media conference that talks are “ongoing.”
The Ravens exercised the fifth-year option on Jackson earlier this year, keeping him under contract through the 2022-23 season. With Allen’s extension, the Ravens and Jackson may want to look at a long-term deal sooner rather than later.
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While I don’t expect Jackson to hold out, his new deal – whenever it is reached, may set the market for up-and-coming quarterbacks in the NFL.