Owings Mills, MD – Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Lamar Jackson Contract negotiations will cease when the regular season begins.
After training on Saturday, Jackson confirmed for the first time that he would cut off talks by the first week of the regular season, four weeks later.
“We’re getting close to it. It’s coming,” Jackson said when asked about a strict deadline. “The season is coming. We will be good for this season.”
And when asked whether it was fair to say he wanted a contract or not by week one, Jackson answered, “Yes, absolutely.”
Jackson, 25, has not provided any further updates on contract talks. It’s no surprise that Jackson wants to pause contract talks before the season begins because he’s one of the few notable NFL players who doesn’t have an agent. Jackson represents himself, which means that the Ravens’ general manager, Eric DeCosta, can only negotiate with the former NFL MVP.
He’s entering his fifth year option, which will pay him $23.016 million this season. If the deal is not completed by March 7, the Ravens will have to mark the franchise on Jackson to prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent.
The two sides did not engage in contract talks for five months after the season because Ravens officials said Jackson showed no “urgent necessity” to do so. Jackson and Ravens then began negotiations in June.
The last midfielder to sign a big money extension was the Arizona Cardinals Keeler Murraywhose average annual ($46.1 million) and guaranteed money ($160 million) ranks second among quarterbacks. Deshaun Watson Top all quarterbacks with a $230 million guarantee, and Aaron Rodgers It ranks first with an average of $50.3 million per season.
Since talking about a Baltimore team starting halfway through the 2018 season, Jackson ranked fourth in wins (37), 11th in touchdowns (83) and first in dash yards by quarterback (3534).
“I’m confident it will be done when it’s done,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh. “You can’t really rush it. I don’t think either side wants to rush anything; both sides want to be happy when everything is said and done, and maybe both sides are unhappy when everything is said and done, to some extent, right ? That’s kind of how it works.”
Harbow added, “But he does a great job. He trains really well; he’s a great leader; on the sidelines, he’s right into the game. So, everything, excellent.”
After skipping the spring volunteer rehearsals, Jackson participated in a mandatory mini-camp and practiced every day at a boot camp. Jackson’s biggest difference was in the weight room. Jackson added over 10 pounds of lean muscle and amassed up to 230 pounds.
“I just wanted to look the part, look a little strong in there (0 and look a little big,” Jackson said. “I feel like it worked. I’m still fast.
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