The Baltimore Ravens are officially on the clock as to what they want to do with Lamar Jackson’s future. many reports suggest that Jackson is seeking a fully guaranteed contract like Deshaun Watson got from the Browns after he was traded there from the Houston Texans.
However, not everybody agrees he should get it.
Jackson, who was the NFL’s MVP in 2019, is the biggest name in the impending free-agent pool, as he and the Ravens have failed to come to an agreement on a long-term deal since negotiations between the two sides opened last offseason.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith thinks the Ravens should not reward him with a fully guaranteed contract and explained why.
Smith pointed out Jackson’s injury history and him not being available on the field this past year as well as a playoff game.
“The best ability is availability and reliability and those are two things that you haven’t been over the last couple of seasons. I have to count that against you.”
He also brought up his lack of playoff success as well.
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Baltimore is reportedly expected to place the franchise tag on Jackson prior to the March 7 deadline. The team could give him one of two tags.
They can give Jackson the non-exclusive franchise tag, which is less costly at $32.4 million, but would allow other teams to sign him at the cost of two first-round picks. They could also give him the more expensive exclusive tag, which is roughly worth $45 million.
Baltimore’s best offer then was a five-year deal worth more than $250 million with $133 million guaranteed, ESPN reported.
