The Baltimore Ravens have been in negotiations with star quarterback Lamar Jackson over a possible extension for some time now, and with the self-imposed deadline for talks fast approaching, the team might be making one final push.
Josina Anderson reported on Monday that the Ravens have made “an improved offer” to Jackson with the Week 1 deadline coming up in just a few days. It seems likely that this may be the last offer the Ravens make before the season starts.
Anderson also indicated that Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti “would never green light a Deshaun Watson-style fully guaranteed deal,” but that Jackson “has a strong argument” for a similar deal.
The Ravens aren’t going to offer Jackson a fully-guaranteed contract, but they have seemingly made an improved offer. Will it be enough to get Jackson to sign on the dotted line, however? That much remains to be seen.
Time is running out for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens
Jackson previously stated that the deadline for extension talks would be the start of the regular season, and with the season opener now less than a week away, time is of the essence.
Perhaps that deadline could create a sense of urgency and allow both sides to compromise a bit more than they originally anticipated. Or perhaps both parties are okay with taking these negotiations into the offseason.
Either way, both the Ravens and Jackson remain committed to keeping the former MVP in Baltimore for the foreseeable future. Worst comes to worst, the franchise tag is always an option if negotiations stall again this offseason.
For financial purposes and simply to put minds at ease, the Ravens would probably like to avoid that scenario, but it is always a fallback.
As for Jackson, his focus will be on putting together a bounce-back season after an injury-riddled disappointment of a 2021 campaign. He has a chance to earn himself a lot of money if he returns to his MVP form this season.
With just days until the start of the season, the Ravens are making one final attempt to extend their franchise quarterback. Now, the ball’s in Lamar Jackson’s court.