USA Today via Reuters
Sep 25, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs with ball during the second half of a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 25, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs with ball during the second half of a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
As the NFL heads into the off-season after the Super Bowl LVII this Sunday, Lamar Jackson is still without a new contract. The Baltimore Ravens haven’t signed their quarterback to an extension yet and franchise tight end Mark Andrews wishes he could do something about it.
The fifth-year tight end came on Super Bowl Week’s ProFootballTalk Live to have a chat with Chris Simms and Mike Florio. The Lamar Jackson topic inevitably came up. And the quarterback’s TE and 2018 draft batch-mate is desperate to have his friend and leader back. So much so that Andrews is willing to endure personal losses if it comes to that.
Mark Andrews will pay to keep Lamar Jackson in Baltimore
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Lamar Jackson finished his contract with the Ravens this year. And for the first time since 2018, the Heisman Trophy winner is a free agent. And Mark Andrews is unsure what Baltimore is waiting for.
On being asked if a Lamar-less Ravens are a possibility next year, Mark Andrews was quick to answer. “No. I think Lamar’s a raven for life. I know the organization. They want Lamar. And Lamar has a lot of respect for the organization as well. So both parties want to get this deal done,”
The 27-year-old TE said before adding what he would if the Ravens don’t act fast.
When Mark Andrews goes to sleep at night, does he honestly not have a single doubt enter his brian that he might not have Lamar Jackson next year?
“No. I think Lamar is a Raven for life.”
Mark then offered to give up his paycheck to keep Lamar. pic.twitter.com/pH4iKe8XbY
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) February 7, 2023
Some NFC teams are already looking at Action Jackson. And Baltimore has to act quickly. “I’ll give him my paycheck if I have to,” Lamar’s trusted All-Pro offensive weapon said.
However, that could be a heavy hit for Mark, given his $37 million guaranteed and $56 million 4-year contract extension from 2021.
Lamar has the Ravens ownership’s support despite injury troubles
The chances of Baltimore placing the franchise QB tag and responsibilities on Lamar’s shoulders are exponentially high after the Ravens really felt his absence this season. Jackson missed the final six games of this season with a knee injury. And without no. 8, the Cincinnati Bengals didn’t face too much trouble in their playoff clash either.
However, Baltimore Ravens GM Eric DeCosta and HC John Harbaugh displayed the utmost faith in their QB.
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“We’re excited to start up negotiations with Lamar Jackson,” DeCosta said of the Ravens’ future in the season-ending press conference.
On being asked how the situation looks right now, the GM said, “it takes two to tango. But we’ll communicate effectively and be as fair as we can be.”
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Harbaugh also said that he wanted Lamar for the long haul and even included him in the search process for a new offensive coordinator after Greg Roman stepped down last month. And looks like Lamar’s renewal isn’t the only thing on the stakeholders’ minds.
