Dez Bryant blasts Ravens, accuses NFL teams of racism after Lamar Jackson fails to land contract extension
The Baltimore Ravens placed their non-exclusive franchise tag on superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson after failing to reach an agreement on a contract extension with the former NFL MVP. The two sides have been negotiating terms for months, to no avail. Jackson's reported demand for a big guaranteed contract has allegedly been the reason for the stalemate so far.
On Tuesday, the Ravens officially placed the franchise tag on Jackson and the team's general manager, Eric DeCosta, released a statement that read:
"Having not yet reached a long-term deal with Lamar Jackson, we will use the franchise tag. There have been many instances across the league and in Baltimore when a player has been designated with the franchise tag and signed a long-term deal that same year.
He also offered hope that the quarterback will sign an extension with the team:
"We will continue to negotiate in good faith with Lamar, and we are hopeful that we can strike a long-term deal that is fair to both Lamar and the Ravens. Our ultimate goal is to build a championship team with Lamar Jackson leading the way for many years to come."
Statement from GM Eric DeCosta: https://t.co/LOnW8XpPL5
Dez Bryant comes to Lamar Jackson's defense
Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant was miffed at the Ravens for failing to hand Jackson a new long-term extension. In an explosive rant on Twitter, Bryant wrote:
"I’m sorry and I’m ready to accept all of the s**t talking that’s going to come with what I’m about to say. What I dislike heavy about the NFL whenever guys like Lamar Jackson and other black athletes perform past their contracts it’s always a problem whenever it times to be paid, don’t draft the player if the character is such a concern. NFL needs to understand is an investment on both sides and the player usually lose at the end."
Bryant's impassioned rant on Twitter, where he accused NFL teams of being racist, ended with a message seemingly directed at the Ravens, or Lamar Jackson's suitors:
"Pay Lamar what he deserves and stop [sic] the madness."
I’m sorry and I’m ready to accept all of the shit talking that’s going to come with what I’m about to say… what I dislike heavy about the NFL whenever guys like Lamar Jackson and other black athletes perform past their contracts it’s always a problem whenever it times to be… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
How much will Lamar Jackson earn in 2023?
The non-exclusive franchise tag means Jackson is now on the Ravens' books for another year and will earn $32,416,000. However, things could change quickly.
The non-exclusive franchise tag allows Jackson to negotiate contract terms with potential suitors. If any team agrees to terms with the quarterback, the Ravens can either match it and keep him on their books or let him walk in return for two first-round picks.
Lamar Jackson getting the non-exclusive tag clouds the waters for the #Bears a bit. If a team is willing to trade two 1sts to move to No.1, why not give up two 1sts for Lamar? Sure, he comes with a VERY expensive contract, but you also know what you're getting.
It's highly unlikely that the Ravens will let Jackson walk for a discounted price of only two first-round picks. They will likely match any offer Jackson receives and keep him in Baltimore. But the possibility of a team with massive space blowing the Ravens out of the water with an eye-watering offer could force the team to let their superstar quarterback walk for a terrible return.