The Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson failed to get a contract extension done in time this past offseason, opening the door to more rumors surrounding Jackson’s future.
One fact is undebatable: Jackson will play for the Ravens for the entirety of the 2022 season.
Jackson previously said he would stop contract talks once Week 1 starts, shifting his entire focus to winning games and putting together a successful campaign.
The star quarterback reportedly turned down a contract with $130 million in guaranteed money, which suggests Jackson is looking for a deal closer to what Deshaun Watson got from the Browns ($230 million in guaranteed money).
The Ravens and Jackson still have next offseason to strike a deal, but some NFL pundits are already speculating that Jackson wants out of the franchise.
CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora believes Jackson will find a new home by the time the 2023 NFL draft rolls around, a highly questionable take from an analyst with a sinuous reputation.
From @JasonLaCanfora w/us on @FoxSportsRadio - 'I think Lamar Jackson is going to get traded before the draft next year.'
— Jason Smith (@howaboutafresca) September 13, 2022
Lamar Jackson is rumored to leave Baltimore Ravens next season
The NFL has seen its fair share of shocking trades, but Baltimore dealing Jackson next offseason just doesn’t seem to be in the cards.
By all accounts, the two sides are still motivated to work on a contract extension next year, and even if they can’t agree on a number, the Ravens will more than likely franchise tag him for 2023.
The 2019 MVP made a statement in Week 1’s win over the New York Jets, throwing for 213 yards and recording three touchdowns and one interception. Jackson no doubt knows he’s putting his career at risk by not hammering out a deal for 2022, but clearly it’s a risk he’s willing to take.
Watson’s unprecedented deal has unfortunately set the standard for quarterback contracts in the modern NFL, and while it’s easy to argue that Jackson is a better all-around quarterback than Watson, it’s difficult to justify giving any play that kind of monumental contract.
When will the Lamar Jackson rumors end?