Ravens-Lamar Contract Talks: Three possible outcomes
It's no secret that the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson can't agree on a contract. Since the 2022 offseason, Jackson has requested a contract extension with "Purple Pain" that mirrors the contract given to Deshaun Watson by the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns gave Watson a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. Baltimore, however, is clearly not willing to give Jackson a deal that is that enormous and fully guaranteed.
Jackson is the driving force of the team's offense, as most of their plays are tailored to suit his unique style of play, including running the ball. When healthy, Jackson is box office, as evidenced by his unanimous MVP-winning season, a feat that has only been achieved once before in the league.
Lamar Jackson’s no-look TD Pass has lived in my head rent free all season https://t.co/izfuxmemLf
The Ravens are aware of Jackson's value to the team, but for a quarterback who has received over 700 hits in his five years in the league, there are questions about his long-term health status.
Jackson has missed 30% of possible games due to injuries, which is a major concern for the Ravens. So the question on everyone's mind is, what is the way forward?
Should Baltimore trade Lamar Jackson to teams like the Colts and Jets for first-round draft picks? Or should they offer him a guaranteed contract worth over $200 million and hope he doesn't get injured and put the team in a dire situation?
Here are the possible outcomes for the Jackson-Baltimore conundrum:
#1 Offer Lamar Jackson a contract that meets his financial demands
Not the ideal outcome for the Baltimore Ravens because offering Jackson a deal over $200 million fully guaranteed involves taking financial risks.
Offering Jackson what he wants might put them in a bad place financially if his injury worries continue or his performances decline. Yet again, Lamar Jackson has proven his prowess and dedication to the team, and it might be a risk worth taking.
#2 Ravens trade Lamar for as many draft picks as possible
Some teams might be willing to take up Jackson as their franchise quarterback and meet up with his demands.
Again, not an ideal situation for Baltimore as they have tailored their team to suit Jackson, and trading him will mean all that might go to waste. This would result in them needing to restructure the team again.
#3 Structure the contract to have a performance-based incentive
If the Ravens' biggest worry in not wanting to offer Lamar Jackson a huge deal that is fully guaranteed is due to injury worries and a decline in performance, then they can structure a contract to tackle this.
Thank you everyone for your support and concerns regarding my injuries. I want to give you all an update as I am in the recovery process. I’ve suffered a PCL grade 2 sprain on the borderline of a strain 3. There is still inflammation surrounding my knee and my knee
Baltimore can offer to pay Jackson as much as he is asking for with a clause to be able to terminate his deal if he fails to meet up to the agreed threshold yearly.
The Ravens and Jackson will have to weigh the pros and cons of each option and come to a decision that's best for both parties.
Lamar Jackson is a once-in-a-generation talent, and Baltimore would be wise to keep him. Still, they must also consider the potential risks of a long-term, fully guaranteed contract.
This is a situation no general manager wants to be in, but time is ticking. Baltimore and Jackson will have to make a decision sooner rather than later.
Jackson's future with the team is uncertain, and fans and the league will be watching closely to see what happens next.