Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson has finally agreed to a five-year extension contract worth $260 million, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history (NFL.com). The Ravens have been negotiating with Jackson for some time, with talks hitting an impasse earlier this off-season (The New York Times). The extension comes after two years of missed opportunities, even leading to a trade request from Jackson at one point (CBS Sports). Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta expressed relief after the contract was finalized, stating that he was a Boston Celtics fan and “licking his wounds following Trae Young’s game-winning shot” while negotiations were ongoing (ProFootballTalk).
Jackson’s record-setting deal could not have come at a better time for him, as Saints quarterback Derek Carr recently signed a contract extension that now seems unfavorable compared to Jackson’s terms (Yahoo Sports). Jackson’s extension with the Ravens will keep him in Baltimore for the foreseeable future, allowing him to continue to build on his impressive resume. Jackson previously won the NFL MVP award in 2019 and became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 30 wins (Baltimore Ravens).
The new contract also means good things for the Ravens as a team. The team is now able to focus on other aspects of the game, such as Todd Monken becoming the new offensive assistant coach, rather than worrying about Jackson’s contract (The Baltimore Sun). The extension could also positively impact the Ravens’ relationships with potential players, such as Zay Flowers, who expressed excitement at the prospect of joining forces with Jackson (Baltimore Ravens).
Overall, Lamar Jackson’s extension with the Baltimore Ravens has been a long time coming. The successful negotiation between Jackson and the Ravens finally puts an end to two years of missed opportunities, doubts and trade requests. The five-year extension provides Jackson with the security he needs to continue building upon his already-impressive legacy with the Ravens.
