Mission accomplished. The Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson have agreed to a brand-new contract over five years, locking him in as the team's starter, leader and, hopefully, future Super Bowl winner.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the contract was done just after 4PM ET on Thursday afternoon, giving the organization a few hours to finish up their game plan for the 2023 NFL Draft. Finally, the team can think clearly and act accordingly when it comes to draft weekend.
NFL insider Josina Anderson reported the deal is worth $260 million over five years, with $185 million in guaranteed money, making Jackson the highest-paid player in the NFL.
Rapoport said, on air, that what helped get this deal done was the fact that the Philadelphia Eagles paid Jalen Hurts. After that contract was signed, Baltimore "stepped up" and made Jackson an offer he "couldn't refuse."
After the contract was announced, Jackson gave Ravens fans a quick reaction video on social media. Needless to say, he was a happy man.
We’ve agreed in principle on a 5-year contract extension with QB @Lj_era8‼️
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 27, 2023
😈😈😈😈 pic.twitter.com/tQj1Rzqcha
"There's been a lot of 'hey say, she say' ... But for the next five years, there's a lot of flock goin' on ... let's go baby."
Lamar Jackson looks locked in and ready to lead the Baltimore Ravens after agreeing to his new contract
Jackson is usually pretty even-keeled and doesn't get too animated, and his video is right on par with that. He looked happy, excited and most of all, focused on getting back to work in order to bring a Lombardi Trophy back to Baltimore.
Thursday night, the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft kicks off, and Ravens fans can take it in without too much stress. Before the deal was announced, fans had to think of an odd reality where the team actually thought about drafting a quarterback.
Now that Jackson is happy, locked down for five years and fresh off the team signing a new weapon in Odell Beckham Jr., it's 'go time' for this team.
General manager Eric DeCosta better come away from the first round having hit a home run with the 22nd overall pick. Whether or not that's a weapon to help Jackson remains to be seen. But, the Ravens have already had a very good day.
It's time for Draft day to make it a great day.