"I had to make a business decision" - When Lamar Jackson opened up on requesting trade from Ravens
Lamar Jackson was drafted in 2018 with the No. 32 pick by the Baltimore Ravens. Despite winning the MVP award and establishing himself as one of the league's best quarterbacks, there came a time when tensions flared with the team. This led the 2019 NFL MVP to request a trade from the Ravens.
Jackson wrote an emotional message on X (formerly Twitter) in March 2023 to inform his fans about the decision he had made. He started by thanking the fans for their love and support. Lamar Jackson also stated that he opted for social media to clarify the situation regarding his future in Baltimore.
“Let me personally answer your questions in regards to my future plans. As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens have not been interested in meeting my value, any and everyone that's has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team win the Super Bowl. You all are great but I had to make a business decision that was best for my family and I.”
The Ravens exercised the fifth-year option on Jackson’s rookie contract for $23.016 million in April 2021. He turned down an extension the following year, hoping for a larger payday. He then requested a trade in 2023 following which Baltimore opted to place a non-exclusive franchise tag on him.
For context, a non-exclusive franchise tag allows a player to sign an offer sheet with another team, which the original team can match to retain the player. If the player leaves, the team would receive two first-round draft picks in exchange.
Baltimore Ravens signed Lamar Jackson to a $260 million deal
The Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson eventually agreed to terms on a $260 million deal.
After Jalen Hurts signed a $255 million contract extension with the Eagles, Baltimore had a benchmark to match and signed Jackson to a $260 million deal for five years, with $185 million in guaranteed money.
Jackson went on to win his second MVP award that season after finishing the regular season with career highs in multiple statistical categories.