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CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 10: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens stands on the sidelines during the first half of the NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bryan Woolston/Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1186763984.jpg)
via Getty
CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 10: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens stands on the sidelines during the first half of the NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bryan Woolston/Getty Images)
Looks like Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are still at crossroads. Despite all eyes being fixed on the ongoing tussle, negotiations have taken a backseat as both Jackson and the Ravens’ front office refuse to budge. The Ravens have, however, allowed Jackson to test the free agency waters, putting him on their non-exclusive franchise tag. Still, teams have refrained from coming forward and offering Jackson his ideal deal.
While many within the league expect Jackson to continue his time with the Ravens, Jackson himself seems hellbent on getting out of Baltimore. The 2019 unanimous MVP has been actively sharing his thoughts on social media, and one of his recent posts just solidified his intentions.
Lamar Jackson with the hints
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The Baltimore Ravens gave Lamar Jackson a one-year $32.4 million ‘nonexclusive franchise tag’. The tag allows Jackson to sign with any team, but the power lies with the Ravens as they can either match or reject the offer. A quarterback of Lamar Jackson’s caliber seldom hits the free market, and even if they do they barely sit out looking for a deal. Jackson should have been signed a long time ago, yet the recent ongoing are a mystery in themselves. Needless to say, Jackson is equally frustrated with the situation and has resorted to venting his frustration on social media.
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NFL, American Football Herren, USA Baltimore Ravens at New Orleans Saints Nov 7, 2022, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata 93 sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson 8 during the first half at Caesars Superdome. New Orleans Caesars Superdome Louisiana USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStephenxLewx 20221107_neb_la1_231
In a recent Instagram story, Jackson hinted at the ongoing tussle with the Baltimore Ravens.
Jackson posted a rather comedic instance, with the preface being, “And if you don’t want to be with me, there’s the door“. Funnily enough, the door in the picture was blocked, maybe representing Lamar’s exit plan from the Ravens.
Read More: “You Should Not Play Sports”: Lamar Jackson Admits He Is Bruised Not Broken After Shocking Trade
Jackson being injury prone might be another potential reason for teams not pursuing him actively. The foremost reason would still be his contract demands. The quarterback values his skillset highly and for good reason. Throughout his career, Jackson has done nothing but baffle the NFL community with his outrageous plays, and intends on doing the same just in a different uniform.
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Where did it begin?
The Cleveland Browns unknowingly threw a wrench in the relationship between Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. Earlier, Deshaun Watson signed a five-year, $230 million, fully-guaranteed contract, edging Jackson to pursue a similar deal. The Ravens however had different plans. Jackson believes that he is worth just as much as if not more than Deshaun Watson, and refuses to settle for a comparatively insignificant deal.
Jackson has every right to look at Watson’s contract and say, “If that’s what he’s worth, I’m worth at least that much if not more.”
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The Ravens could have just released Jackson, allowing teams to grab the former MVP. Yet, they decided to keep him under their umbrella while giving him the illusion of transparency. Now Jackson’s future is up in the air, as the Ravens along with the entire NFL community watch closely.
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