How much money does Lamar Jackson want? Ravens QB eyes Deshaun Watson-like mega deal
If the Baltimore Ravens want to talk Lamar Jackson out of his trade request, they must show the cash that he wants. And early in the season, they had a chance to keep him happy and prevent him from wanting out, but squandered it.
Just as the 2022 season kicked off, ESPN reported that Jackson had been demanding a similar deal with current AFC North rival Deshaun Watson.
It should be remembered that last year, the Cleveland Browns, who were reeling from a major down year for Baker Mayfield, attempted to future-proof their quarterback situation by trading for Watson. Upon joining the team, he signed a five-year $230 million contract, with the entire amount guaranteed, the biggest in NFL history in terms of both overall amount and guaranteed money.
The full guarantee is an important part of what Lamar Jackson has been complaining about, per the ESPN report. The Ravens had offered him a $250 million extension beginning in 2023, with $133 million of it guaranteed upon signing, but Jackson declined it.
The guaranteed money was above that of Russell Wilson ($124 million out of $242.5) and Kyler Murray ($103.3 million) but well below Watson's.
Lamar Jackson's counteroffers to the #Ravens in negotiations last year "all exceeded the full guarantees" given to #Browns Deshaun Watson, per @JFowlerESPN
Team sources added that Lamar turned down a 5-year, $250M contract in September that included $133M guaranteed. https://t.co/8m9Rirc4mu
During the negotiations, Lamar Jackson was his own agent, though he did receive some guidance from his mother and the NFL Players' Association. The union told him that, given his youth and performances, that he deserved a fully-guaranteed deal. But apparently the Baltimore front office balked at it, and now they could be losing him with potentially little to show for it.
What are the Ravens' options at quarterback lf Lamar Jackson leaves?
If ever Lamar Jackson bails, then the Ravens may have the worst quarterback situation they have ever been in. While his trade request is the obvious talk of the town (alongside Aaron Rodgers' desire to join the Jets), he is not the only quarterback whose contract situation Baltimore must contend with.
Tyler Huntley, who started most games late down the stretch when Jackson went down with an injury, is a restricted free agent. So far, he has received no offers from competing teams, but should he accept one, it is imperative for the Ravens to match or even exceed it; otherwise, they may find themselves out of quality options.
Anthony Brown is luckily under contract, but with dismal stats in his only start so far (no TDs against two interceptions and a lost fumble), he does not figure to be a viable long-term solution. And with top studs like CJ Stroud and Bryce Young expected to go to the likes of the Carolina Panthers, then Baltimore may be forced to sacrifice its future to win now with a proven commodity under center.