USA Today via Reuters
Sep 18, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to throw during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 18, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to throw during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens have to make an important decision. As many are aware, the team’s star QB, who played with a rookie contract, has not yet received an updated one. Lamar Jackson will certainly wait for the Ravens to whip up an appropriate contract for him. And what he needs is a deal that offers him more money. However, in the meantime, Baltimore will also try to bring a high-powered wide receiver to the roster. Now bringing a star WR to the team would get difficult. Therefore, to explain the situation better, the general manager of the team gave an answer which ended up puzzling many NFL fans.
Wouldn’t it be nice to see the 26-year-old fling a pigskin downfield to the team’s WR? As nice as that may sound, it is important to note that it may be because of the Heisman Trophy winner himself that the team may not afford a wide receiver.
How did Lamar Jackson affect the decision-making process of hiring a star WR?
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If the Ravens plan to make Jackson their franchise quarterback and give him an exclusive contract, they will not have enough salary cap to sign or trade for a top-notch wideout. Jackson’s $40 million deal may take up Baltimore’s $26 million cap space. This will mean that the team will have to cut some guys off the team and rework contracts to fit it under the cap.
The team’s GM Eric DeCosta straightforwardly explained the situation. At last month’s end-of-season news conference, DeCosta explained that the team will not be able to afford a wide receiver. “Honestly, when you have a big-ticket item at quarterback, it makes it more challenging – not impossible,” DeCosta said. “We’ll have to get creative, and there are things we can do.”
Fans did not accept the news happily
Many fans believed that is not the actual case. The team is maybe hiding something. Fans also believe that Baltimore will do away with their starting QB.
One fan wrote:
I smell BS… Just speak the truth!
— Bernard Pollard Jr (@Crushboy31) February 11, 2023
Odd cause they haven’t had a WR1 or a big ticket QB the last few years due to Lamar’s rookie contract.
— Matthew RS (@mattstyx13) February 11, 2023
Every GM with a top 10 QB has figured out ways to get his QB weapons except for DeCosta
— Brandon (@BKJYK1287) February 11, 2023
Translation: We don’t know if we can keep Lamar because of the money he will command pic.twitter.com/PsGmDyx615
— Steel_Mandalorian ⚫️🟡 Keep that same energy👌🏾 (@T__West88) February 11, 2023
Didn’t they just pay an off ball line backer 20 million ?
— Donovan Hargis (@HargisDonovan) February 11, 2023
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Eric Decosta is the most unserious GM in the league lol you have a unanimous MVP at Quarterback who has had mid weapons his entire career lol give Lamar his bread and trade for or draft a WR1 man
— Sachiko🤍🇯🇵•Bayern Enjoyer (@SHANEB1EBER) February 11, 2023
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It is not just fans, but Ray Lewis’ opinion as well that the Ravens should look into hiring powerful and effective receivers. The Ravens can part ways with their popular players and release some cap space. Additionally, the team can also restructure contracts and offer pay cuts to other players.
Watch this story: Tom Brady Went to The Same High School As This Controversial MLB Hall of Famer Who Was Also A 14x All-Star
