ESPN’s Jamison Hensely offered an update on the contract talks between Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is the biggest name to watch this offseason. Over the last year, the former MVP has been unable to reach a contract extension with the Ravens.
In September, Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Lamar Jackson was seeking a deal fully guaranteed at signing.
It appears Jackson has not backed off that stance.
On March 1, ESPN’s Jamison Hensley offered an update on the negotiations between Jackson and the Ravens.
“According to sources, Jackson wants a fully guaranteed deal like the one given to Deshaun Watson last year, and the Ravens have been reluctant to offer that because they believe Watson’s deal is more of an outlier than a precedent,” Hensely wrote.
Jackson’s demands make sense. Deshaun Watson received a fully guaranteed contract, and at this point in his career, Jackson has built a stronger resume than Watson. During his time in Houston, Watson led the Texans to a 28-25 overall record as the starting quarterback. Meanwhile, Jackson has led the Ravens to a 45-16 overall record as the starting quarterback. His accolades include NFL MVP, First-team All-Pro, and NFL passing touchdowns leader (2019).
Lamar Jackson’s contract will define the QB market
Jackson’s next contract will have a profound ripple effect throughout the league. The Cleveland Browns made an unprecedented move by giving Watson a fully guaranteed deal. If Jackson also receives a fully guaranteed contract, it should set a precedent for top-level quarterbacks.
Conversely, if Jackson does not receive a fully guaranteed deal, the Watson contract will stand out as an anomaly. In negotiations, organizations can cite the Jackson deal to counter fully guaranteed demands.
