The Baltimore Ravens have serious worries to deal with. Their extraordinary first-round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft, QB Lamar Jackson is currently on an expiring contract. Seeing the NFL player market in the past few years, abled QBs are quite a prized commodity. Especially when considering that Jackson, 25, has already won an MVP award in 2019. The general expectation is that the team will have to splash out to keep his services.
Lamar Jackson sends a message to Roquan Smith
Yesterday, Ravens’ general manager Eric DeCosta made headlines by handing out a 5-year $100 million deal to LB Roquan Smith. This contract extension makes Smith the highest-paid LB in the NFL. Furthermore, the deal includes $45 million fully guaranteed and $60 million in total guarantees. Smith, who represents himself, was set to be a free agent this offseason. The team had the option of a franchise tag but decided not to wait for another year.
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Unc you just snapped💰🚀
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) January 10, 2023
Following the announcement, Jackson tweeted a 4-word message on Twitter. Well, it seems more than likely that the QB was congratulating his teammate with whom he shares a great relationship outside the field as well. However, this also brought attention to the underlying concern of his own contract.
Fans react to the latest tweet
The entirety of the NFL has been keeping a close eye on the development surrounding the former MVP’s contract. It is not a secret that if the Ravens do move on from the superstar, there will be several teams who will be waiting to pounce on this opportunity. With Smith getting a bag that is too big than anyone else in his position, fans have started to wonder what Jackson could earn this upcoming season.
However, understandably, many Baltimore fans have pleaded with the player to extend his stay with the team he started his career with.
You are next! Please be a Raven for life!!!!!!
— Spence (@SpenceNice103) January 10, 2023
This fan has come up with his prediction for the player. He might not be far off the mark.
Hearing 300 mil for Lamar
— GoldMouthLu (@GOLDMOUTHOLU) January 10, 2023
While this fan is questioning the team’s management over their business decisions.
All this money is going around,you still ain’t get your share 🤦🏽♂️
— 11 (@x11era) January 11, 2023
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Apart from the Ravens’ flock, there were multiple other fan bases involved who tried to lure the QB away from his current camp. Especially the New York Jets fans, who think the addition of Lamar would make them a direct Super Bowl contender.
Omggggggg this is INSTANT SB contenders
— Coach Fred Blumenberg 🤩⚡️ #CM4K (@TheRealFredLee) January 11, 2023
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Amidst all this fun with the QB carousel picking up heat, Eric DeCosta could spoil the fun for rival fans. The Ravens hold the option to use a franchise tag on Jackson if deem it to be necessary. Fortunately for the 25-year-old, in such a case, he will stand to make $45 million in 2023. March 7 is the deadline for teams to use the franchise tag.
watch this story: Lamar Jackson reveals the reason behind the deletion of his controversial tweet.