Home/NFL

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Baltimore is celebrating once again. While Odell Beckham Jr. committed to the Ravens, Lamar Jackson’s future was still up in the air, until recently. After months of back and forth, the Ravens are finally on the same page with their marquee quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Earlier Jackson wanted a way out of Baltimore, but the Ravens putting their non-exclusive franchise tag on him baffled most NFL fanatics. However, his recent comments show his loyalty to his franchise.

When the relationship was speculated to be beyond repair, the Ravens made another big move offering Jackson the desired contract. Since then, Lamar Jackson has extended his time with the Ravens, signing a record $260 million deal, and even made some tall claims for all of Baltimore.

Lamar Jackson is elated

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The Lamar Jackson-Baltimore Ravens standoff went on for 27 months, making many believe that the Ravens were moving on to greener pastures. Initially, the Ravens wanted to offer Jackson a $160-$180 million deal, but Jackson continued his stance of a contract in line with Deshaun Watson. Soon, Jalen Hurts was also rewarded for his efforts by the Eagles, as the quarterback market seemed to be at an all-time high. Needless to say, Jackson had to continue pushing the envelope, even if it meant a move away from Baltimore.

A player of Jackson’s caliber was expected to receive many offers from rival teams, but the situation’s absurdity continued escalating as teams walked away from Jackson.

Now that Jackson is back with the Ravens, the 2019 unanimous MVP had a special message for the Ravens’ fanbase and the teams that looked past him.

I really didn’t care for other teams. I wanted to be here. I want to be a Raven. I really wanna finish my career here and win a Super Bowl here,” said Lamar Jackson

Read More: Shannon Sharpe Breaks Down Lamar Jackson’s $260M Jackpot but Warns Top Star of Dire Consequences

Jackson’s ambitions of winning a Super Bowl in Baltimore could come to fruition as the Ravens continue building, adding Odell Beckham Jr. to their ranks. With Jackson at the helm, and the sheer athleticism of OBJ, the Ravens’ front office has once again placed all their eggs in Jackson’s basket, and hopefully, he will deliver.

The business of the NFL

At the end of the day, the NFL is a business. And teams often look at their players and evaluate the options available to them. Something similar happened with Lamar Jackosn and the Ravens. As Jackson recently stated his desire to continue being in Baltimore, the Ravens’ GM Eric DeCosta also showcased his trust in Jackson.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

We do feel that he’s the best quarterback in the NFL, and I think this contract reflects that,” expressed DeCosta.

Just like many of us, DeCosta also felt that Ravens would not be able to retain Jackson, and thus felt a weight lifted off him as soon as Lamar Jackson agreed to the contract.

Watch This Story: “Designed by Drake and Lamar Jackson’s Jeweler, Simone Biles Flaunts $325,000 Worth Ring With Jonathan Owens After Wedding.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Acknowledging the ongoing tensions, DeCosta said, “But in the end, we’ve been blessed to have Lamar as part of this organization for a long time. I think he feels this place is special, too. And it was business; it wasn’t personal.

With Lamar Jackson locked in with Baltimore, the Ravens have another shot at glory, and maybe $260 million will appear to be a menial amount after Lamar Jackson proves his worth once again.