The Baltimore Ravens should have felt the pressure of giving quarterback Lamar Jackson a contract extension after he missed OTAs.
It’s a subtle reminder of what needs to be done from a player that is also acting as his agent.
Dealing with the former league MVP should be easier because all the Ravens should do is have him in for contract talks.
But as the 2022 season nears, both parties still haven’t agreed to terms.
Jackson will be playing under the fifth-year option, earning him a fully guaranteed $23,016,000.
However, he can walk away as a free agent if no extension is in place.
Ideally, it would be better for them to sign the contract before the season starts.
It’s difficult to proceed with it when Jackson is already focused on preparing for the next game.
Likewise, it provides security for Jackson that the Ravens will continue to have him as their primary play-caller.
Still would like to see Lamar Jackson protect himself with a contract extension as soon as possible, and as soon as everything meets his liking– with minicamp practices and training camp ahead. Good to see him smiling with teammates today though.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) June 13, 2022
CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson tweeted, “Still would like to see Lamar Jackson protect himself with a contract extension as soon as possible, and as soon as everything meets his liking– with minicamp practices and training camp ahead. Good to see him smiling with teammates today though.”
Jackson Setting The Tone For Baltimore
After all, Jackson is still under contract with the Ravens and he will honor that commitment.
That’s why he appeared during the team’s mandatory minicamp, as shared by All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
He also missed the feeling of being around his teammates because he missed the last four games of the 2021 season due to an ankle injury.
But while it’s good to see Jackson smiling, this image should not fool the Ravens faithful that all is good.
The front office still has to complete the job of extending their versatile quarterback.
Jackson has an idea of how much he wants given the prevailing trends in the market.
Therefore, it’s time for the Ravens to respond and get a contract done.
NEXT: NFL Insider Relays Lamar Jackson Minicamp Update
