Details Emerge on Ravens Contract Offers for Lamar Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens and star quarterback Lamar Jackson failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension this past week, but it wasn't for lack of trying. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Jackson turned down a pact that could have made him the second-highest quarterback in the league:

#Ravens QB Lamar Jackson turned down an offer worth more than Russell Wilson’s $49M per year, sources say, though it fell short of Deshaun Watson’s in fully guaranteed money.

My story as he’s set to play it out: https://t.co/jnM80iaIu7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2022

If accurate, the $49+ million annual average cited would have placed Jackson just behind Aaron Rodgers for per year value, and the total guarantees would have fallen just behind Deshaun Watson's $230 million. Rather than sign the deal, Jackson bet on himself, believing he can increase his leverage by playing out his fifth-year option. He likely faces a pair of franchise tags in the following years, but the closer he gets to unrestricted free agency, the higher his value will likely rise.

Jackson's place among the elite quarterbacks in the league should not be questioned; he won the MVP in 2019 and sports a 37-12 record. While many cite the potential injury risks of a run-heavy play style as a reason for caution on Jackson's long-term prospects, recent history dictates even catastrophic injury can't keep a good passer from cashing in: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott signed a record-setting deal even after an ankle injury cost him most of the previous season. It'll be fascinating to see what new heights Jackson can attain on his upcoming deal should he continue his dominant play.