Lamar Jackson has yet to sign a contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens, which has led to some speculation that he could leave the team. The former NFL MVP has made it clear that none of that talk came from his camp.
Jackson sent a tweet on Wednesday blasting the “false narrative” that he wants to leave the Ravens. He said he is not having second thoughts about anything and that people need to stop trying to read his mind.
I love my Ravens I don’t know who the hell putting that false narrative out that I’m having thoughts about leaving stop tryna read my mind🙄
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 30, 2022
Jackson is in a very unique situation. He does not have an agent, so he has been negotiating his own contract extension dating back to last offseason. That is one reason the process seems to be moving slowly, and the Ravens even recently hinted at some frustration with how the talks have gone. Jackson refused to negotiate once the 2021 season began, so the negotiations were on hold for several months.
That does not mean Jackson wants to leave Baltimore. The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie deal, but there are other quarterbacks who have been patient and collected massive amounts of money even after being franchise tagged. A recent report indicated Jackson may not be opposed to that outcome.
One other factor could be the recent contract Deshaun Watson signed with the Cleveland Browns, which was a five-year, $230 million deal that is fully guaranteed. That may alter the quarterback market, which is why some teams are said to be unhappy with the Browns.
Jackson has regressed since his MVP season in 2019, though injuries were a factor last year. He finished with 2,882 yards passing, 16 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 12 games. He added 767 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. Even with the numbers falling off, Jackson will likely still command top dollar.
Photo: Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) reacts against the Las Vegas Raiders during Monday Night Football at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
