Lamar Jackson hopes the Ravens will extend him before Week 1
By Justin Fried
The Baltimore Ravens remain engaged in extension talks with star quarterback Lamar Jackson, just as they have been for most of the last few months.
Rather than holding out for a new contract, Jackson has elected to attend training camp this summer and he has every intention of keeping it that way. Why? Because he wants to win. It’s as simple as that.
Jackson spoke to the media following Thursday’s training camp practice and, as expected, he was asked numerous questions about his ongoing extension discussions.
The former MVP explained why he chose not to hold out before insisting that there will be a “cutoff” in talks. When asked if the two sides would get a deal done before the team’s Week 1 matchup with the New York Jets, Jackson replied with a resounding “hopefully.”
However, his focus remains on the field and on his teammates. His focus remains on being the best version of himself he can be.
"“I want to win at the end of the day. I just want to be great I just want to work with my brothers. I don’t want to leave them out there hanging. That’s not me. That’s never been me.”"
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wants an extension before Week 1, but that isn’t his focus
Jackson’s ongoing extension talks have been the talk of the offseason for the Ravens. Reports indicate that Baltimore has been more than willing to accelerate talks, but that Jackson has been the hesitant one.
Most seem to assume that Jackson is willing to not only bet on himself but bet on the ever-increasing QB market. Of course, his lack of an agent only serves to complicate matters.
To Jackson’s credit, however, he hasn’t allowed these negotiations to serve as a distraction. Instead, he’s determined to bounce back after a disappointing, injury-shortened 2021 campaign that left the Ravens on the outside of the postseason looking in.
Jackson is confident that an extension will eventually get done, and ideally, both sides seem to prefer a deal to be reached prior to the start of the season.
Next. Lamar Jackson knows exactly what he’s doing, but how will it affect the Ravens?. dark
But there’s no rush from Jackson. He’s focused on other, more important things in his mind. He’s focused on winning.