Could 2022 be Lamar Jackson‘s final year with the Baltimore Ravens?
It could turn out that way if they don’t sign him to a new contract or give him the franchise tag in the 2023 offseason because their recent contract extension talks went nowhere.
#Ravens and QB Lamar Jackson did not agree to terms on a contract extension before today's deadline. Negotiations are over.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 9, 2022
Pro Football Focus writer Ari Meirov tweeted, “#Ravens and QB Lamar Jackson did not agree to terms on a contract extension before today’s deadline. Negotiations are over.”
In a statement shared on the Ravens’ official Twitter account, general manager Eric DeCosta said, “Despite best efforts on both sides, we were unable to reach a contract extension with Lamar Jackson.”
He added, “We greatly appreciate how he has handled this process, and we are excited about our team with Lamar leading the way. We will continue to work towards a long-term contract after the season, but for now, we are looking forward to a successful 2022 campaign.”
Jackson will be playing the 2022 season under the team’s fifth-year option, giving him a fully-guaranteed $23 million.
Where Did The Talks Between Jackson And The Ravens Falter?
Bottom line, no one from both sides budged from what they wanted.
Initially, the Ravens offered a contract that gave Jackson more guaranteed money than what Kyler Murray got from the Arizona Cardinals.
However, Jackson wanted a fully-guaranteed deal like Deshaun Watson‘s contract with the Cleveland Browns.
Team owner Steve Bisciotti wouldn’t agree to that demand, especially after Russell Wilson signed a partially-guaranteed extension with the Denver Broncos.
Jackson identified this day as the deadline for his contract extensions, but both sides did not come to an agreement.
Could the negotiations work out differently if Jackson had an agent?
Now that nothing happened, the Ravens face the danger of losing Jackson for nothing as he becomes a free agent after this season.
