The Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson have not agreed regarding the quarterback’s contract extension.
Even if Jackson hasn’t signed on the dotted line, tight end Mark Andrews revealed his focus is still on helping the team win.
However, it would be better if Baltimore locks in the former Louisville standout for the long term before their season-opener against the New York Jets.
The season can go by quickly, and there’s a threat of Jackson walking away if both parties can’t come to terms.
But when asked if a deal is imminent, even Jackson has no idea.
Lamar Jackson on whether the sides are close to a deal: “I don’t know.”
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 7, 2022
ESPN NFL Nation reporter Jamison Hensley tweeted, “Lamar Jackson on whether the sides are close to a deal: ‘I don’t know.'”
That’s a short but emphatic response that summarizes the contract situation.
It’s not that the Ravens did not try because they have sent offers to the self-represented Jackson.
Reports reveal that they offered Jackson more guaranteed money than Kyler Murray‘s $189.5 million from the Arizona Cardinals.
However, the former league MVP came back to demand a fully-guaranteed deal like what Deshaun Watson got from the Cleveland Browns.
Both Sides Are Not Seeing Eye To Eye
While the Ravens are open to offering Jackson more guaranteed money, team owner Steve Bisciotti wouldn’t green light a fully-guaranteed deal.
Besides, Jackson’s demand became more of a novelty after Russell Wilson agreed to a five-year, $245 million partially-guaranteed deal with the Denver Broncos.
The Ravens can point to that contract and have some leverage in the negotiations.
There’s no word yet if Jackson agreed to Baltimore’s new offer.
But based on his latest response, he might be looking for an ace up his sleeve to get what he wants.
Time is running out, and the two parties have to come to an agreement before their season-opener on September 11.
