John Harbaugh made it abundantly clear that the team wants to keep quarterback Lamar Jackson around long-term in a postseason chat with reporters on Thursday.
Contract extension talks between Jackson and the team before the 2022 campaign did not lead to a long-term deal. He will become a free agent this offseason unless the Ravens come to an agreement with him or place the franchise tag on the five-year pro.
According to ESPN’s Ryan Clark, the former MVP was initially offered $113 million in guaranteed money which eventually grew to $133 million.
“That was the most Lamar was offered,” the analyst said.
That guaranteed money is likely no longer acceptable after Deshaun Watson signed a 5 year, $230,000,000 contract with the Cleveland Browns, including a $44,965,000 signing bonus, $230,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $46,000,000.
Jackson is a better QB and has accomplished more than Watson at this point in their careers. Jackson reportedly wanted a fully guaranteed deal like the one Deshaun Watson signed with the Cleveland Browns, according to Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Speaking Saturday on SportsCenter, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler said the Ravens are expected to place the franchise tag on Jackson if they can’t sign him to a longer deal:
Jackson missed the final five games of the regular season and last week’s AFC Wild Card Round loss to the Cincinnati Bengals because of a knee injury. It is fair to think he Ravens have concerns about his durability after he missed several games this past year and in 2021.
