Lamar Jackson’s Back at the Bank

With the Ravens capitalizing on the draft and extending their star player, the future looks bright in Baltimore. This upcoming season will highlight many of these changes and prove whether or not the team made the right ones. 

Arguably, the largest and most monumental task came with the contract decisions regarding Quarterback Lamar Jackson. Once negotiations were complete, the finalized deal landed at a staggering $260 million dollar deal. The contract itself lasts five years with $185 million in guaranteed money. In comparison, Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts received a contract earlier this year that was $255 million and $179.3 million guaranteed, over a five-year span. 

After taking months to come towards a finalized deal, including placing a non-exclusive franchise tag on Lamar Jackson, this is truly a monumental contract for the history of the Ravens.

“The good thing about Jackson signing his extension before OTA’ss and training camp is that it likely means there’s an increased chance he’ll be in attendance for those workouts,” said Ravens Wire. 

There are a variety of possible reasons for Jackson to stay in Baltimore.

“Jackson will have some new players to throw to in 2023, as the team signed All-Pro receiver Odell Beckham, Jr., to a one-year deal and drafted Boston College wideout Zay Flowers in the first round of the draft,” Fox Sports stated. “The Ravens also hired Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken for the same role.” 

In regards to the draft, most sports analysts reacted with a positive outlook.

“[Chad Reuter of NFL Media] gave Baltimore an A on all three days of the draft. He praised the Ravens’ first two picks of Flowers and linebacker Trenton Simpson, but also the later picks on Day 3,” Sports Illustrated stated.

“[Mel Kiper of ESPN] particularly praised Baltimore’s selection of Flowers, his top receiver in the draft, to help bolster their pass-catching group. He also says Simpson ‘could be a steal’ at No. 86, as Kiper had him at No. 35 on his board. Vorhees and cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly, taken at No. 157, were also good value picks in Kiper’s eyes,” Sports Illustrated stated.

Initial reactions from Jackson in terms of these new signings and a refreshed offense show his attitude toward the team.

“From what I’ve seen, it looks different. I’m liking it so far. To be honest with you, I really didn’t care for other teams, really,” Jackson said. 

All in all, he highlights his mother for being an influential figure.

“Jackson recalled how his mother became ‘influential’ in his life when he was growing up and watching her raise four kids while she wanted him to play football and take care of himself,” said Fox Sports.