On Thursday, the Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson came to terms on a new contract that made the former NFL MVP the highest-paid player in the league.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Jackson signed a five-year deal worth $260 million, which puts him slightly ahead of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who just signed a $255 million deal.
For a while, it appeared as though the Ravens and Jackson might be on the outs. The quarterback said he wanted a fully guaranteed deal much like what Deshaun Watson got from the Cleveland Browns. However, Baltimore balked at that, driving a wedge between the two sides. Jackson went as far as to demand a trade at one point though no other NFL teams were willing to meet his demands despite being one of the top signal-callers in the league.
We’ve agreed in principle on a 5-year contract extension with QB @Lj_era8‼️
😈😈😈😈 pic.twitter.com/tQj1Rzqcha
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 27, 2023
In the end, it appears that Hurts’ deal helped set the tone for the positive conversation between the two sides. Now, the Ravens will have their star QB settled for the foreseeable future.
There were plenty of notable reactions around the NFL world after the news of Jackson’s new deal broke.
“Apparently, Lamar didn’t need an agent to become the highest-paid player in the NFL. No 3% cut ($7.8 million)!” said 247 Sports’ Brandon Marcello.
Apparently, Lamar didn't need an agent to become the highest-paid player in the NFL. No 3% cut ($7.8 million)! https://t.co/LuHj7s5yeD
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) April 27, 2023
“Great news for Lamar! Let’s see the guarantee structure,” said Brett Kollman.
Great news for Lamar!
Let's see the guarantee structure. https://t.co/gG2ckrf3Fp
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) April 27, 2023
“That makes him the highest-paid player in NFL history. And by negotiating it himself, Lamar saved between $2.6 million and $7.8 million in agent fees (1-3%). That’s legendary,” said Joe Pompliano.
Lamar Jackson has signed a 5-year, $260 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, per @RapSheet.
That makes him the highest-paid player in NFL history.
And by negotiating it himself, Lamar saved between $2.6 million and $7.8 million in agent fees (1-3%).
That's legendary. pic.twitter.com/MgrtRjX1AN
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) April 27, 2023
“Man I’m legit happy for Lamar Jackson, stood his ground in this situation,” said a Twitter user.
Man I’m legit happy for Lamar Jackson, stood his ground in this situation.
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) April 27, 2023
