NFL quarterback Lamar Jackson posted an ominous message aimed at the Baltimore Ravens as he seeks a long-term contract after his team were eliminated from the playoffs.
On Sunday, the Ravens were knocked out of Super Wild Card Weekend as they put in a spirited performance but fell 24-17 to the Cincinnati Bengals. Their AFC North rivals - and division champions - were able to squeeze out the result even though Baltimore’s backup quarterback Tyler Huntley piloting the visiting offence.
Jackson had missed six straight weeks of practice since suffering a PCL sprain in the regular season. Without their starting quarterback, the Ravens finished 2022 campaign with a 10-7 record and secured a place in the playoffs only to fall at the first hurdle.
The 26-year-old recently took to social media to shed light on his recovery and referred to his injury as a ‘Grade 2’ sprain that is a borderline Grade 3 issue. The problem was originally listed as ‘week to week’ by head coach John Harbaugh, but Jackson remained absent.
As the offseason officially commences in Baltimore, Jackson appears to be ready to apply direct pressure to Ravens’ front office. He took to social media to post an ominous message, which read: “When you have something good, you don’t play with it.
“You don’t take chances losing it. You don’t neglect it. When you have something good, you pour into it. You appreciate it. Because when you take care of something good, that good thing takes care of you too.”
The post is undoubtedly a message to the Ravens after the franchise refused to offer him a five-year, fully-guaranteed contract. The team are reportedly exasperated from Jackson’s slow recovery and ultimate refusal to play in the postseason.
There are a number of options available to Jackson and the Ravens entering this crucial offseason. The two sides could find an agreement and sort the long-term deal, but the non-exclusive franchise tag looms which would allow Jackson to negotiate with other teams.
This could see Jackson leave Baltimore, the team he has been with since they selected him in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He could even imitate Deshaun Watson and make it clear he is done playing for the Ravens to force a move and a long-term deal.
Jackson won the 2019 MVP award and became the second unanimous winner of the award after Tom Brady thanks to his dominant campaign. Jackson is one of the NFL’s most exciting players and certainly deserves a lucrative deal.
Jackson is hoping to secure the latest long-term contract awarded to a quarterback, but he has already turned one blockbuster offer down and is currently due to be a free agent this offseason amid an uncertain future. He reportedly turned down an offer worth $274m over six years to keep him in Baltimore through 2027, with $133m fully guaranteed.
