The situation between quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens is one that’s been must-see since the start of the 2022 NFL season. It was a contract year for Jackson, and he went into the regular season without a long-term deal established. The Ravens ended up making the postseason, due in large part to Lamar despite the quarterback suffering a knee injury in week 13 against the Denver Broncos.
Lamar was projected to miss anywhere from four to six weeks, as it was reported to be a knee sprain. Many in the Ravens organization were optimistic that Lamar would be ready and available for their Wild Card game against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, it was later reported by the man himself that he suffered a Grade 2 PCL injury. He then was ruled out, and thus had to turn to Tyler Huntley. Huntley was nominated to his first NFL Pro Bowl this year.
The Ravens fell short 24-17. Huntley did everything he could, to his credit, but he’s no Lamar Jackson. Not to mention that backbreaking fumble Huntley had at the goal line. Life with Lamar Jackson vs life without him has been almost night and day.
So now, what’s next for Jackson and the Ravens? According to analysts across NFL media, it’s very likely that the Ravens will slap a franchise-tag on Jackson as head coach John Harbaugh has remained committed to keeping Jackson in Baltimore. The franchise-tag will give the Ravens some cushion as they negotiate a long-term deal with their star player. The question remains, will it be the exclusive or non-exclusive that they use?
More importantly, the question currently being asked is should Lamar Jackson be paid? Mad Dog certainly doesn’t think so, when speaking on First Take this week. His argument was based around the fact that Lamar has yet to show the Ravens that he can carry them to a Super Bowl. Keyshawn Johnson, on the other hand, believes wholeheartedly that he should be paid. Not just because of the amount of success the Ravens have had, but also because of the amount of money other QBs with lesser amounts of recent success have been paid. Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray to be specific, with Deshaun Watson being the outlier.
Mad dog said Lamar Jackson doesn’t deserve a fully guaranteed contract & Keyshawn Johnson cooked him 🔥 pic.twitter.com/BcKm1VcO6t
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) February 22, 2023
QB Lamar Jackson doesn't have a traditional agent representing him in negotiations with the Baltimore Ravens but he is getting guidance from the NFLPA. I'm told he is not negotiating alone.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) February 23, 2023
