After a long offseason of contract negotiations that had been described as “an uphill battle,” it looks like the Baltimore Ravens and former MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson have nothing to show for it as the 2022 NFL season begins.
Just two days before the Ravens open their season against the New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta announced that the team was “unable to reach a contract extension” with Jackson.
Statement from General Manager Eric DeCosta. pic.twitter.com/HpaD2ccSp2
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 9, 2022
“Despite best efforts on both sides, we were unable to reach a contract extension with Lamar Jackson,” DeCosta said. “We greatly appreciate how he has handled this process and we are excited about our team with Lamar leading the way. We will continue to work towards a long-term contract after the season, but for now we are looking forward to a successful 2022 campaign.”
The news comes after reports that Jackson was seeking a fully-guaranteed contract much like the Cleveland Browns just gave new quarterback Deshaun Watson. However, it seems the Ravens were completely unwilling to give such a contract to Jackson.
While it’s not exactly a shock that the two sides were unable to come to an agreement, especially considering Jackson’s cryptic Tweets, it’s still massive news and the NFL world had plenty to say about it.
One step closer to a mid-20-something former MVP quarterback hitting the open market — which would be madness https://t.co/telGt9sX0k
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) September 9, 2022
Lot of work to be done in 2023. Exclusive rights franchise tag projects to $40-$43M a year, fully guatanteed. 20-percent raise to tag again in 2024. 2025 tag is very prohibitive https://t.co/09wO4O9I56
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) September 9, 2022
Lamar is going to get all of the money no matter what.
The Ravens are usually so forward-thinking. Can't believe this didn't happen. https://t.co/SavYprrDdj
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) September 9, 2022
Baltimore normally does the smart thing all the time but they look like morons the way they are handling Lamar Jackson https://t.co/GMtOB06Tuq
— Louie DiBiase (@DiBiaseLOE) September 9, 2022
Lamar Jackson bets on himself. The exclusive franchise tag could pay him as much as $100m in 2023-24, so it's a decent bet https://t.co/w3HZVlcQWc
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) September 9, 2022
Lamar is about to go scorched earth on the NFL. https://t.co/nmEA4e48I8
— Devon Clements (@DevclemNFL) September 9, 2022
The Ravens will open their 2022 season against the Jets on Sunday at 1 p.m.
