While the Baltimore Ravens continue to be the kings of the preseason, there are more pressing matters that they must address.
First, it is uncertain if some of their starters will be back to full strength in time for their season opener against the New York Jets on September 11.
Some of their players who are still on the mend are J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Marcus Peters, Ronnie Stanley, and Tyus Bowser.
But the more pressing matter is getting quarterback Lamar Jackson signed to a contract extension.
For now, he only has one year left with his deal with the Ravens, his fifth-year option worth $23 million.
It’s not that the Ravens aren’t trying to lock him for the long-term before the season starts.
However, they are at a stalemate because they can’t agree on one condition.
Lamar Jackson has been offered more money than Kyler Murray, per @JayGlazer
Both sides can't agree on an extension because Jackson would like his contract fully guaranteed @brgridiron pic.twitter.com/jo3NxTKPvA
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 22, 2022
Bleacher Report tweeted, “Lamar Jackson has been offered more money than Kyler Murray, per @JayGlazer. Both sides can’t agree on an extension because Jackson would like his contract fully guaranteed.”
If he was offered more money than Murray, then the average annual value of Jackson’s contract could be worth at least $47 million.
Murray signed a five-year, $230 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals this offseason and that value includes $160 million in guaranteed money.
Jackson Hoping To Get A Similar Contract As Deshaun Watson
If Deshaun Watson got a five-year, $230 million fully-guaranteed contract from the Cleveland Browns, then Jackson deserves the same amount and then some.
Over the last three seasons, Jackson has consistently reached the 1,000-yard rushing mark and led the Ravens to the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Watson did lead the league in passing yards two seasons ago and that was it.
Unfortunately, Jackson has the leverage in this negotiation because he can walk away after this season if no deal is in place.
If that happens, teams will fight for his services and will spend a fortune to get a former league MVP.
