Contract talks are stalling between the Arizona Cardinals and Kyler Murray.
One quarterback stands to benefit from the two trying to come to an agreement.
That quarterback is Lamar Jackson, who can use those stalled negations to his advantage.
The former Pro Bowl quarterback is in contract talks with the Baltimore Ravens.
His rookie contract expires after this season.
Kyler Murray was drafted 1st overall in the 2019 draft and acting like this yet people want to criticize Lamar Jackson for how he's handling his contract situation. https://t.co/dzYc1uGNVq
— My Opinion (@hickeym6) April 14, 2022
However, the team can franchise tag him after his fifth-year option is up.
With Jackson happy in Baltimore, he could play on that tag, unlike other players that have gotten the tag before.
Jackson Wants To Prove Himself To Baltimore
Jackson, much like Murray, is coming off an injury going into 2022.
However, Jackson seems content to prove his worth to the team after being injured.
That comes from him telling people he has no intentions of leaving the team.
Lamar Jackson here to stay⁉️😅
Source📰: HIM‼️😬
Lamar says he isn’t thinking about leaving the #Ravens ‼️😌https://t.co/YdF3jlVrhq#RavensFlock 😈
— Ingravenvids (@IngravenVids) March 30, 2022
With him saying this, it looks like Jackson wants to prove himself in 2022 with Baltimore.
That should please Ravens fans, as Jackson is a force on the field for the Ravens.
However, him making plays with his legs gets him in trouble sometimes.
Health Could Be A Concern For Jackson In 2022
While some people don’t feel Jackson will have injury issues in 2022, it’s a possibility.
With Jackson having running abilities, there’s always a concern anytime he leaves the pocket.
However, his making plays on his own isn’t the only thing to threaten his health in 2022.
The Ravens’ front five were the second-worst in protecting the quarterback, giving up 57 sacks in 2021.
Jackson can’t stay healthy if that line doesn’t protect him in the pocket.
While he is an amazing athlete that can escape defensive players, it’s something that doesn’t always work.
Taking too many sacks could shorten his career and ruin his contract chances.
With those things in mind, Jackson needs a deal done before the start of the 2022 season.
No matter how talented he is, he can’t keep running for his life on the field because of poor protection.
Jackson Wants To Bet On Himself, Unlike Murray
Everything Jackson told people shows he’s willing to prove himself on the field.
Few players will test themselves like that after an injury.
It’s something that we clearly aren’t seeing from Murray with his contract negations
Jackson risks a lot if he’s the one waiting things out with Baltimore.
The risk comes from a poor offensive line in Baltimore that can’t protect him.
The Ravens didn’t do enough in free agency to address this huge issue.
A continued ignoring of the offensive line play puts too much pressure on Jackson.
When that pressure comes, Jackson could face getting injured.
However, that’s not stopping Jackson from staying firm with what he believes.
He believes in himself and wants to bring home a championship to Baltimore.
But for him to win that championship, Baltimore needs protection up front for him.
Without that help, Jackson’s season will only bring disappointment to himself and fans.
It also would hurt his legacy in Baltimore as one of their better quarterbacks in franchise history.
NEXT: Ravens Left Seeking A Major Upgrade At Wide Receiver