Without an agent, Lamar Jackson and his mother successfully negotiated one of the best deals ever signed by an NFL player, not just a quarterback. Although a fully guaranteed contract was not possible, Jackson was able to obtain a no-trade and no-tag clause, giving him true freedom as a free agent in the future. In addition, he secured the largest amount of money for any NFL player in the first three years of his deal, surpassing even Patrick Mahomes’ contract extension by nearly $100 million.
It may be wise for Mahomes, who has won two Super Bowls and been to three, to consider renegotiating his contract.
Here is a full breakdown via Pro Football Talk.
1. Signing bonus: $72.5 million.
2. 2023 base salary: $7.5 million, fully guaranteed.
3. 2024 option bonus: $17.5 million, fully guaranteed.
4. 2024 offseason roster bonus: $750,000, fully guaranteed.
5. 2024 base salary: $14.25 million, fully guaranteed.
6. 2025 option bonus: $22.5 million, guaranteed for injury at signing and fully guaranteed in March 2024.
7. 2025 offseason roster bonus: $750,000, guaranteed for injury at signing and fully guaranteed in March 2024.
8. 2025 base salary: $20.25 million, guaranteed for injury at signing and fully guaranteed in March 2024.
9. 2026 offseason roster bonus: $750,000.
10. 2026 base salary: $51.25 million, $29 million of which is guaranteed for injury at signing and fully guaranteed in March 2025.
11. 2027 offseason roster bonus: $750,000.
12. 2027 base salary: $51.25 million.
The deal Jackson landed with the Ravens is quite impressive, with $156 million fully guaranteed by year 3. It’s worth noting that if the team ever decides to part ways, Jackson would become an unrestricted free agent. Additionally, since he didn’t have an agent, he and his mother get to keep the 3-5% in agent fees that would have otherwise gone to an agent.
While it was a lengthy negotiation process, the end result is a fair agreement for a former MVP with an impressive track record. Jackson’s talent makes the Ravens a top contender for a Super Bowl win when he’s healthy, and the team has also acquired some strong external players to enhance their offense.
Here’s to hoping that this deal helps lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl appearance and victory in the future! Congratulations to Jackson and his mother.
