While Lamar Jackson’s on-field brilliance has often captured headlines, his recent injury woes and unresolved contract situation have been the primary focus lately. As a two-time Pro Bowler and the 2019 MVP, Jackson is entering a crucial offseason with his current contract set to expire. Last season, Jackson played under the fifth-year option after failing to secure a long-term deal with the Ravens.
Despite performing at a high level when healthy, Jackson’s 2022 season was marred by a knee injury that sidelined him for the final five games, including the Ravens’ Super Wild Card Weekend loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. This marked the second consecutive year Jackson missed critical games due to injury.
### Ravens’ Hope for Long-Term Deal Remains
Despite past setbacks, the Ravens are reportedly still optimistic about reaching a long-term agreement with Jackson. Although progress was made during in-season talks, a deal never materialized. The sticking point appears to be guaranteed money. Jackson reportedly turned down a six-year offer with $133 million guaranteed, seeking a deal similar to Deshaun Watson’s fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
While the Ravens’ offer would have surpassed Russell Wilson’s annual salary with the Broncos, it didn’t meet Jackson’s expectations for guaranteed money. The Ravens may need to break new ground in guaranteed money to retain Jackson.
### Franchise Tag Likely
Baltimore can apply the franchise tag to Jackson between February 21 and March 7, 2023. This would prevent Jackson from entering free agency and give the Ravens more time to negotiate a long-term deal. The franchise tag would pay Jackson approximately $45.2 million for the 2023 season.
### Jackson’s Leverage with Franchise Tag
If tagged, Jackson has several options. He could delay signing the tag until after training camp, as players cannot practice without a contract. Former All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell employed this strategy in 2017, eventually signing his tag before the regular season. Jackson would need to sign by the Ravens’ 11th game to play in 2023 and earn part of his salary. Should he sit out the entire season, the Ravens could tag him again in 2024, but it would count as the second tag.
### Trade Possibilities
While unlikely, a trade remains a possibility. The Ravens could entertain trade offers starting March 15, the beginning of the new league year. They would need to franchise tag Jackson first, ensuring they receive significant compensation, likely including two first-round picks and additional draft assets, given Jackson’s prime years ahead.
### Jackson’s Commitment to Baltimore
Despite disagreements over personnel decisions, notably the trade of Marquise Brown, Jackson has not publicly expressed a desire to leave Baltimore. The Ravens have tailored their offense to Jackson’s unique skills since drafting him in the first round in 2018. Moving forward, Jackson likely seeks more support and a reduced reliance on his running ability to avoid further injuries. Adjusting the offense to emphasize his passing could benefit both Jackson and the team.
### A Possible Amicable Departure?
The likelihood of Jackson and the Ravens parting ways without compensation is slim, much like an improbable plot twist in a movie. Jackson’s talent is too valuable to let go without a return, and the Ravens remain hopeful for a long-term agreement.
### Our Prediction
Given the current impasse, Jackson is expected to be franchise tagged before free agency begins, granting both parties more time to negotiate. If no deal is reached before the season starts, Jackson faces a critical decision: whether to skip training camp, some regular season games, or the entire season. The coming months will be pivotal in determining Jackson’s future with the Ravens.
