Thoughts on Lamar Jackson Declining the Contract Offer

Get this image on: Wikimedia Commons | License details

Creator: Joe Glorioso | All-Pro Reels | Credit: @allproreels

Copyright: ALL-PRO REELS

Late last week Baltimore Raven’s star quarterback Lamar Jackson declined a very lucrative deal. The deal was a 6-year contract worth 290 million dollars. The guarantee was worth 160–180 million dollars. Jackson wants a fully guaranteed deal and this is what makes or breaks a contract.

Does Lamar Jackson Deserve a Deal Fully Guaranteed

There is no reason why he can’t have a fully guaranteed deal. Just think Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson got his fully guaranteed deal worth 290 million and he will be missing most of the first season of his deal due to suspension. They both have solid arms but they are the future of mobile quarterbacks.

Of course, a lot of NFL fans say Lamar Jackson is an RB. He does not deserve quarterback money. Well, let’s just say that’s Ludacris. He already has an MVP in his second season. The one thing that stands against him is he already had a season-ending injury just last season.

He is taking a chance on himself literally. He has no representation other than himself and his mother. If he had an agent they would have him jump on the deal but that’s not what he wants. He wants to be the new bar setter and he is taking a risk.

What will happen now?

Lamar Jackson will have to play on his option of 23 million guaranteed. More than likely the Ravens organization will play him on the franchise tag for the next two years to see where the market lies.

Now if we do the math it will cost the Ravens more guaranteed money during the next three years under the tag then the 180 million for 6 seasons.

• Last year of rookie contract 23 million dollars.
• Next season under the franchise tag is estimated at 32 million dollars.
• Second-year tag is estimated at almost 39 million dollars.

That equals 94 million dollars guaranteed under tags and last year of rookie contract.

Here is the downside for Lamar Jackson. The gamble is not getting a contract he wants and is still susceptible to injury with his style of play.

The upside is he has the proof to deserve what he wants and the Ravens will probably give in before the first tag is done. He needs to prove he can have the same season as he did in 2019.

Conclusion

It is hard for me to root for a player contract that is a hated rival. I’m a Bengal fan and I hope they can get his contract done after Joe burrow gets his. Once both sides agree Lamar Jackson will have the filthiest contract on Earth.

Remember the biggest guarantee is Watson’s 290 million fully guaranteed. If Jackson does win his battle he will be well into the 300+ range. This number will only get bigger with time.

As a Bengal fan, I hope he doesn’t ball out but it’s a contract season for the next few seasons. He wants it now so I’m scared of what he will do to every defense this season.