The general manager of the Baltimore Ravens, Eric DeCosta, regretted this Friday that Lamar Jackson, the team’s starting quarterback, had rejected the offer of a contract extension that was offered to him before the start of the 2022 NFL season.
“Despite the best efforts of both parties, we were unable to reach a contract extension with Lamar. We will continue to work towards a long-term contract after the season; now we expect a successful campaign”, explained the general manager.
Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP, has no agent; he handled the deal seeking a long-term deal with the Ravens so he wouldn’t become a free agent at the end of the season, an effort DeCosta welcomed.
“We really appreciate how he has handled this whole process; at this moment we are enthusiastic in our team with Lamar at the helm, “said the manager.
In this 2022 season, the 25-year-old quarterback will play the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. Not having the security of a longer settlement leaves open the possibility that a serious injury could decrease its value in the future.
Jackson’s intention is at the end of the 2022 season to get a millionaire contract, similar to the one signed by Deshaun Watson, quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, for five years in exchange for 230 million dollars.
Lamar, who will earn just over $23 million in 2022, acknowledged the danger of not having the security of an extension, saying it’s something he’s taken on as early as 2021.
“It was a pretty big risk last season, but I’m just playing football, anything can happen. God does not want something bad to happen », he confided on Wednesday in his talk with the media.
Since joining the Ravens in 2018, the Pompano Beach, Florida-born quarterback has been a two-time Pro Bowl selection, once MVP and leading passer in 2019.
Accumulate 9,967 yards, 84 touchdown passes and 84 interceptions. The previous campaign was the first in which he failed to lead the Ravens to the playoffs.
Baltimore will debut week one of the 2022 NFL season on Sunday with a visit to the New York Jets.
EFE
