Lamar Jackson reportedly may enter the 2022 season without a contract extension in place and it may have something to do with his latest demand.
Jason Cole of Outkick was told by a source familiar with the situation that the QB has asked for a contract that is worth more than the $230 million Deshaun Watson got from the Cleveland Browns.
After getting traded from the Houston Texans, Watson received the fully guaranteed contract from the Browns.
“Why wouldn’t he (ask for more than Watson)?” the source asked, rhetorically.
The most recent extension for a QB was last month when Kyler Murray signed with the Arizona Cardinals for a $230.5 million deal, but $160 million of it is guaranteed.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Friday on Get Up that a “gap” still exists between Jackson, who’s entering the final season of his rookie contract.
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“The people I’m talking to believe this very well might not get done by Week 1, because there’s a gap in the pay of guaranteed money and the structure of a contract,” Fowler said. “Lamar Jackson wants very strong guarantees, and he’s got the blueprint with Deshaun Watson and the fully guaranteed deal he got of $230 million [from the Cleveland Browns].”
Jackson skipped voluntary portions of the Ravens’ offseason program but showed up for the start of training camp and has been a full participant in practices.
The 2019 NFL MVP said he informed the organization he’s not interested in continuing to work on an extension once the regular season starts.
“I said there is going to be a cutoff [in talks],” Jackson told reporters when asked whether he’s hopeful an agreement is in place before a Week 1 game against the New York Jets on Sept. 11. “So, hopefully.”
