Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has pivoted in recent weeks from apparently not wanting a long-term deal with the Ravens to apparently wanting one now.
Jackson enters the option year of his rookie deal, at a base salary of roughly $23 million for 2022. He didn’t commit to accepting a new contract before camp starts.
The Ravens tried for months to get Jackson’s attention. They apparently have it. But whether they can reach an agreement on a new contract remains to be seen.
Jackson won the league MVP award in 2019. Since then the market has increased significantly. The best current contract, all things considered, belongs to Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, at $46 million per year for five years, fully guaranteed.
Complicating matters is the fact that Jackson represents himself. It makes it awkward for him to say what needs to be said. It makes it awkward for the Ravens to say what needs to be said.