Is Lamar Jackson a free agent? Tracing Ravens QB's troubled time with NFL franchise
Lamar Jackson spent the 2022 NFL season playing out the final year of his rookie contract with the Baltimore Ravens.
The two sides entered intense contract negotiations for a long-term extension prior to the start of the season, but put them on pause when they couldn't agree on a deal. Negotiations resumed when the 2023 NFL offseason arrived, however, an agreement still hasn't been reached.
The Ravens' failure to sign Lamar Jackson to a new contract put him in serious jeopardy of becoming an unrestricted free agent during the 2023 NFL offseason.
This forced the franchise to take action to avoid this potentially disastrous scenario. Instead, they placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on their superstar quarterback, regaining control over the complicated situation.
While Jackson is now able to negotiate a new contract with any team during free agency, the Ravens' decision to tag him complicates things. They can match any offer sheet that he signs with another team. If they choose to match the best offer, it forces Jackson to remain with Baltimore and if they choose to pass, the new team will be forced to send the Ravens two first-round picks in the NFL Draft.
This puts Lamar Jackson's future in complete limbo. It remains unclear if he desires to sign a contract with the Ravens, or if the franchise plans on keeping him as their long-term solution.
He's reportedly seeking to become one of the highest paid players in NFL history, but it's debatable whether or not he deserves it.
Lamar Jackson playoff record: Does the QB's stat warrant Ravens renewal?
Lamar Jackson made three appearances in the NFL Playoffs during his five years with the Ravens. He failed to record a victory in each of his first two appearances, totaling a 1-3 overall career postseason record. He's accounted for just four touchdowns while committing seven turnovers in his alarmingly disappointing playoff career so far.
Lamar Jackson in the playoffs:
1-3 record.
317 Total Yards Per Game.
1 Total TD Per Game.
1.75 Turnovers Per Game. https://t.co/sosfxGyvG1
Lamar Jackson's postseason struggles have created quite a dilemma as he seeks to become one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. He has yet to prove he's capable of going deep in the postseason run, but has been dominant in the regular season.
Jackson also owns a unique skillset as one of the best rushing quarterbacks in NFL history, despite just five years on the field. He set an NFL record among quarterbacks with an incredible 1,206 rushing yards during the 2019 NFL season and was also named the NFL MVP that year.
He's clearly shown that he's one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, which is why he's seeking a massive contract. The Ravens' hesitancy to give it to him likely has something to do with his lack of playoff success.