This offseason got off to a dismal start for the Baltimore Ravens when they used their non-exclusive tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson.
After months of failing to reach an agreement with him on a new contract, they looked like they were about to lose him to another team.
But recently, both sides came to an agreement on a five-year, $260 million contract that will make Jackson a very rich man.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told Rich Eisen why he loves Jackson.
“We made a commitment and we decided that we were going to do something together. We’d been through a lot and it’s like any relationship. There’s lots of things that aren’t perfect — it’s always like that. … We like him, we love him, respect him and he feels the same way, and once you decide to go that way, it’s better to try to stick with it, make it work.”
Many may feel Jackson isn’t worth $260 million over five years, which is a bigger deal than what Deshaun Watson got last year from the Cleveland Browns, but in the current market climate, one has to almost overpay in order to secure the services of a good QB.
If Jackson isn’t an elite one, he’s certainly a good one.
His production may not quite be on par with where it was during his MVP campaign in 2019, but he still threw for 2,242 yards and 17 touchdowns while running for an additional 764 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games last season.
His throwing accuracy has declined over the last couple of years, but there is a chance it will increase a bit this fall.
The Ravens have brought in wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., a three-time Pro Bowler, and while he may not be the same player he was several years ago following two torn ACLs, he could give Jackson a very reliable playmaking threat.
Making the playoffs again will be difficult in a loaded AFC, but Baltimore seems up for the challenge.
NEXT: Former NFL Player Details How Lamar Jackson Can Silence His Critics
