After months of fruitless negotiations with the Baltimore Ravens on a new contract, quarterback Lamar Jackson looked to be on his way out and into the arms of another NFL team.
They used their non-exclusive franchise tag on him, which allowed him to negotiate a contract with any other team, but there was apparently no interest in him around the league.
Just recently, the Ravens finally caved in and gave Jackson a five-year, $260 million contract to keep him in the fold.
Jackson didn’t show up for their first OTA practice, but he was present for their second session, and he said that he expects to be there for the rest of their OTA sessions, per Jamison Hensley.
Lamar Jackson was asked whether he expects to be here for the rest of the OTAs.
“Yeah,” Jackson replied. “Yeah, I do.”
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) May 24, 2023
The Ravens made the playoffs last season with a 10-7 record, even though Jackson missed their last five games with a knee injury, as well as their lone playoff contest, which was a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
They’re hoping to do better this season, especially with the addition of three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham may not exactly be who he was several years ago when he put up over 1,300 yards in each of his first three seasons, but Baltimore is hoping he’ll regain enough of his old form to give Jackson a productive wideout.
In his four seasons as their starter, Jackson has never had a very productive playmaker at the position, and the only consistently reliable playmaker he has had has been tight end Mark Andrews, who is one of the best at his position.
NEXT: Lamar Jackson Shares His Thoughts On Ravens' New-Look Offense
