Lamar Jackson Signs the Largest Deal in Baltimore Ravens History

The agreement is worth $260 million, sources told ESPN, this deal makes Jackson the highest-paid player in the league at $52 million per year. The deal includes $185 million guaranteed. It was previously reported that Jackson wanted the same deal that Deshaun Watson signed with the Cleveland Browns last year, that deal was $230 million guaranteed, but every bit of it was guaranteed. We won’t know the full guaranteed amount on the deal for Jackson until at signing.

Since the team announced it as an extension there have been some questions regarding the new deal, people are confused as to whether the deal is an extension of his one-year, $32.4 million franchise tag (Jackson was able to negotiate with other teams but Baltimore had the right to match an offer) but according to reports, Jackson wasn’t under contract so therefore there is nothing to extend and it’s a straight five-year deal.

Jackson has represented himself throughout his NFL career and the negotiations for the deal, some have been critical of the choice to represent himself and others applaud him for taking matters into his own hands. Jackson significantly boosted the Ravens after being drafted five years ago. Jackson has helped turned the Ravens into playoff contenders once again, as before Jackson’s arrival, they had missed the playoffs for three straight seasons.

Jackson was selected as the MVP for the 2019 season and was the second to be unanimously selected. In that season, Lamar Jackson set the league record for most rushing yards by a QB (1,206), 36 touchdowns to six interceptions, and 3,127 passing yards. Quite the season, especially considering that was Jackson’s first full season as a starter and his second season overall.

Jackson has been a bit injury prone the last few years, missing 11 games in two seasons which many suggested is why the Ravens have been reluctant to offer Jackson’s asking price. Jackson did say after he was drafted “They’re going to get a Super Bowl out of me, believe that.” In the playoffs, Jackson has a record of 1-3, now since he’s got his money, is it time for him to make true on his initial draft day statement?

What do you make of the deal, was it the right move for both the Ravens and Jackson, do they win a Super Bowl in the next five years? Let us know in the comments below!

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