"That is where it stands" - NFL insider explains Lamar Jackson's get-me-out-of-here stand
NFL insider Ian Rapoport has provided an insight into Lamar Jackson's situation with the Baltimore Ravens.
Jackson's future with the Ravens appears to be in serious jeopardy during the 2023 NFL offseason. The two sides failed to agree a long-term contract extension, forcing the Ravens to place their non-exclusive franchise tag on their superstar quarterback. Unhappy with how the negotiations have panned out, Jackson requested to be traded to a new team.
While it sounds as though the partnership is all but over, Jackson could still sign a long-term extension in Baltimore. The two sides have reportedly continued negotiating a potential deal, but they don't seem to have made much recent progress. The Ravens have apparently declined to give Jackson the details he's looking for.
O the "Pat McAfee Show", Rapoport provided an update of current negotiations between the two parties:
"The Ravens had been negotiating with him and he kind of reiterated his trade request. That is where it stands. I know they want to get a deal done. It does seem like his trade request is more like, 'I'd like to get a deal done with the Ravens for the right amount. And if that doesn't work, then trade me.' That's kind of what it feels like. More than just like, 'I hate all these people, get me out of here, trade me.' "
"I know the Ravens still wanna get a deal done with Lamar Jackson and I think he still ends up back in Baltimore" ~ @RapSheet
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Rapoport said that Jackson does have a desire to remain with the Ravens as long as they give him the contract he's seeking. He apparently hasn't reached the point where he wants to be done with the franchise and start somewhere else.
With the two sides allegedly expressing interest in creating a future together, a contract eventually could still be agreed. While it's unclear what Lamar Jackson is seeking in the deal, it's expected to be expensive, especially considering other recent quarterback contracts.
Lamar Jackson looking to exceed current QB contract market?
Lamar Jackson has declined to announce the details of the salary he's seeking in his new contract. Most around the NFL expect that he's referring two contracts - that of Deshaun Watson and Kyler Murray - signed last year.
Jackson is a former NFL MVP winner, while Watson and Murray have never won the award. He also has a better winning percentage and more postseason experience than both. Murray signed a contract worth just a bit more than Watson's $46 million in AAV, but his isn't fully guaranteed.
It's possible that Jackson wants to be paid more in AAV than both Murray and Watson. He may also desire the fully guaranteed structure of Watson's deal. Given his significantly better results at this point in his career, he has a legitimate chance of getting that.