Ravens' treatment of Lamar Jackson called 'slap in the face' as 2x Super Bowl winner blasts Baltimore
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is unhappy with his situation in Baltimore.
After failing to reach a long-term deal shortly before the start of the offseason, the team elected to use a non-exclusive franchise tag on him to retain him for the 2023 season.
Lamar Jackson announced on Twitter earlier this week that he had requested a trade from the team on March 2.
in regards to my future plans. As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has 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
On "Speak For Yourself" on Fox Sports, the crew discussed Jackson's contract situation.
Former NFL running back LeSean McCoy was asked what his reaction was to hearing Jackson requesting a trade from the Ravens. He said:
"Lamar was the first quarterback in the first round that got drafted in that draft class. Now this guy becomes the MVP. He becomes what the best player, maybe the second best player in that draft class, him and Josh Allen, however you want to slice it. That looks good for the team. So now why won't we pay him? Why won't we keep him for a long time? Every quarterback in a second year, they play with the team that draft them."
He then mentioned that second contracts for players are usually the easiest for players. He added:
"We consider it, think about it. There's not a lot of quarterbacks that don't. Name a quarterback, top players. They don't leave, they don't hit free agency, they don't hit the market. So, no one at Lamar Jackson, what he did for his organization. It's a slap in the face like dang, man. I did all this for you. Right? I did everything for you, and this is the respect I get. That's terrible. So I was truly disappointed."
.@CutOnDime25 is disappointed in the Ravens after hearing Lamar requested a trade.
“Lamar Jackson has done everything that a franchise QB should do for a team… It's a slap in the face.” https://t.co/zRK9vfh0pa
How much money has Lamar Jackson earned with the Baltimore Ravens?
According to spotrac.com, Lamar Jackson has earned $32.7 million in his five-year career in the NFL.
He was the Ravens' first-round pick in 2019 and made around $9.6 million in his first four seasons. Baltimore picked up his fifth-year option, which paid him $23 million last season.
With the team picking up his franchise tag in 2023, he is set to earn $32.4 million this season.
Do you think Jackson will get a long-term deal before the start of the 2023 season?
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Speak For Yourself, LeSean McCoy, and H/T Sportskeeda.