After bubbling for a while, the Lamar Jackson saga just blew the roof in Baltimore. The QB and the Baltimore Ravens have been on the negotiation table for over a year. But after Sunday, it looks like Jackson’s patience ran out for the franchise. He penned an open letter for the Ravens nation, explaining his side of the story.
After relying on cryptic social media posts to dispel rumors, Jackson decided to take a more direct approach. In an open letter addressed to his fans, the quarterback shared what had truly transpired behind closed doors. With raw emotion, he not only addressed the situation but also revealed his future plans. The heartfelt letter had an immense impact on his fans leading them to initiate a donation drive to support him during this challenging time.
An open letter by Lamar Jackson
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lamar Jackson wrote directly to the fans to come clean on all the rumors that are going on about him. He posted a series of tweets, explaining his side of the story after months of silence. And in there, he also dropped a bombshell, revealing that he had requested a trade from the Ravens at the start of this month.
in regards to my future plans. As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value, any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023
Among his other future plans, he has promised the Ravens nation that they haven’t seen the last of him. According to Jackson, he will always be close to the franchise faithful and the state of Maryland, thus clarifying that his beef is solely with the Ravens front office.
win the super bowl. You all are great but I had to make a business decision that was best for my family and I. No matter how far I go or where my career takes me, I’ll continue to be close to my fans of Baltimore Flock nation and the entire State of Maryland. You’ll See me again
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023
The revelations have surely stunned the Ravens fans, who have seen Jackson as a part of the future of the franchise. Ever since coming on as a first-round pick in 2018, he has won the hearts of the fans with his performance. And he picked up a league MVP award in 2019 while he was at it. Naturally, the thought of him going away has got the franchise fans emotional.
Fans are trying everything to keep their QB
Lamar Jackson may have felt that the Ravens are not ready to pay what he deserves. But the fans have shown that they will do whatever it takes to keep their favorite QB in the city. And for that, some fans even started a donation drive to raise $250 million to raise money and pay for the contract that the Ravens allegedly won’t.
Can’t believe someone actually made this 😭 pic.twitter.com/Z6I95Ss4xC
— The Game Day NFL (@TheGameDayNFL) March 27, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While the sentiment behind the fundraiser is surely admirable, raising that much money is no mean feat. But it can put a little pressure on the franchise to at least try and bring Jackson back on the table. That is if all isn’t already over.
The Ravens have had a few apprehensions about Jackson, mostly about his inability to play a full season for the last two years. Jackson missed a large chunk of the 2021 and 2022 seasons including the Ravens playoff appearance last season. Thus, the franchise is reluctant to pay a fully guaranteed contract in the region of $230-250 million.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Ravens did offer $133 million guaranteed for three years but Jackson rejected the offer. This leaves the question of whether there is any hope for the Ravens and their star quarterback to reconcile. Is it the end of the road for their partnership or is there still room for negotiation?
WATCH THIS STORY: “That is so mean“: Barbadian singer Rihanna praises Patrick Mahomes after getting mocked by this NFL wide receiver