Quarterback Lamar Jackson is highly important to the Baltimore Ravens.
Last season, the former Louisville standout had to play at an MVP-like level to give his team a chance to win.
Without him, they could have easily lost, especially with running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards out due to injury.
Before the season, there were also comments that it would be the year Jackson would be figured out.
He may have missed five games due to injury, but he still had 2,882 passing yards and 16 touchdowns.
He was also the team’s leading rusher with 767 yards to go with two scores.
Despite those numbers, the former league MVP still has his doubters because of his unconventional style.
He’s not the typical pocket passer and he disrupts the game with his feet like Michael Vick.
But former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky had something to say to Jackson’s naysayers.
Lamar Jackson is 37-12 as a starting QB and we’re asking if his style of offense can win?
Huh?!?
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) May 3, 2022
Orlovsky tweeted, “Lamar Jackson is 37-12 as a starting QB and we’re asking if his style of offense can win? Huh?!?”
He added, “Furthermore, Tom Brady Went 38-12 in his first 50 starts.”
Comparisons to Brady should be a tall order for Jackson.
But the Ravens might have had a chance to make a deep run last season if not for injuries to him and their other key players.
Without question, Jackson is still the Ravens’ best option to win.
Ravens Should Sign Jackson To A Contract Extension
Jackson won’t come cheap because he was a Most Valuable Player awardee and the quarterback market is surging.
However, the Ravens could get a discount because he doesn’t have an agent that will take a slice of the pie.
In 2022, Jackson will receive $23 million for his fifth-year option.
But both parties should get a deal done sooner to avoid Jackson testing free agency.
Locking up Jackson for the long term makes Baltimore a competitive team for the foreseeable future.
NEXT: Lamar Jackson Now Has A Reason To Leave Ravens