Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson reportedly turned down a five-year $250 million contract extension and is set to become a free agent next offseason.
Jackson won the 2019 MVP and became the second unanimous winner of the award since Tom Brady after his dominant campaign. He is hoping to secure the latest long-term contract awarded to a quarterback, but Jackson turned the blockbuster offer down.
The extension offer - which would keep Jackson in Baltimore through the 2027 season - would have increased the total value of his current contract to around $274m over six years, according to reports. Jackson would have played out the $23m fifth-year option on his rookie deal before the extension would come into play which would have seen Jackson secure $133m guaranteed.
It would have seen Jackson collect more money than Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and Arizona Cardinals signal-caller Kyler Murray - with more guaranteed money, too. However, Jackson reportedly wants a deal that is fully guaranteed at signing following Deshaun Watson’s mega deal with the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns signed Watson to a $230m contract that was fully guaranteed at signing. Jackson is acting as his agent in the negotiations while also working with his mother and the NFL Players Association, who offer stats, information and guidance.
The body suggested the 25-year-old was justified to demand such a contract due to his performances and age profile. His decision to reject the offer means Jackson is betting on himself like former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, who did so in 2012 before winning the Super Bowl and becoming one of the highest-paid stars in the NFL.
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Speaking about the risk of not signing a deal and playing the season, Jackson said: “It was a pretty big risk last season. The year before.
“I’m just playing football. Anything can happen. God forbid the wrong thing happens.”
Jackson has become one of the most electric players in the NFL. Baltimore is 37-12 with him and 2-5 without the quarterback starting, although Jackson is coming off a difficult season following a career-worst 13 interceptions as well as injury issues.
