This past weekend was full of drama for the Baltimore Ravens and star QB Lamar Jackson.
The drama would begin with a new header that Jackson would post on Twitter.
From there, it was made into a headline for news outlets.
So what was this header that got the media into a turmoil?
It was a header saying “I need $” while he’s yet to get a new contract.
Lamar Jackson, who still hasn’t signed a contract extension, updated his Twitter header 🤣 @brgridiron pic.twitter.com/68hXfe2jiL
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 9, 2022
While it was thought to be a troll towards the Ravens, others didn’t see it the same way.
One person very familiar with the situation spoke about the header.
Jackson Denies Header Is Over Contract Talks With Baltimore
Jackson came out when asked by reports of his new header, denying that it was over contract talks.
#Lamar Jackson changes social media profile photos to say 'I need $'; QB denies it's a message to Ravens – CBS Sports
— Nacho News 🌎📰 (@Nachos_News) July 10, 2022
However, even with the denial, the header has caused issues.
Namely, the drama that has made his change of his Twitter header into national news.
It could also sour contract talks, if the Ravens don’t believe his story.
If Jackson really is holding out for more money, it could turn things around if that were to come out.
But for now, the drama that he created by what he did on Twitter is driving the narrative.
If A Doesn’t Happen Soon, Ravens Might Have To Franchise Tag Jackson In 2023
While the derailing might not happen in 2022 with these contract talks, it could happen in 2023 if there’s still no deal for Jackson.
However, the only way contract talks drag out that long is if Jackson has a bad 2022 season.
At that point, the Ravens wouldn’t have a reason to give him a big contract.
If 2023 arrives with no new contract, a franchise tag isn’t out of the question.
Ravens not completely sold on Lamar Jackson, I think they're going to eventually franchise tag him. He's definitely not getting that big contract this year, they're going to put him in a wait and see.
— Raymond D (@rdavis4693) July 11, 2022
However, they would only do this if he was good enough to keep but not good enough for a mega payout.
But the problem with doing this is it sucks up needed money for other players.
This is how the derailing could begin in Baltimore with his contract talks.
So while drama could start a derailing of contract talks, pushing things into 2023 would derail the Ravens.
While things could find an end this year, it doesn’t seem likely with the way everything is going.
Could His Performance Suffer In 2022 Without A New Contract?
Jackson has let people know how he wants to prove himself with his new contract.
what in the world
the Ravens owner believes Lamar doesn’t think he’s worthy of a big contract unless he wins a Super Bowl? pic.twitter.com/C2x6LfdBk6
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 30, 2022
Most players in his position would just take the money and run.
However, if he truly wants to prove himself this season, he could have another MVP-like season.
But if he tries to do too much, it could be his downfall.
He’s already coming off a 2021 season that saw him miss the last several games because of an injury.
If he puts too much pressure on himself, not only could he make costly mistakes, but he could also re-injure himself.
So this move could become risky for both him and the Ravens.
If he were to hurt himself again trying to prove himself, it would derail the Ravens 2022 season.
NEXT: Former NFL Player Defends Lamar Jackson With Common Sense