Arundel Mills, Maryland Quarterback Lamar Jackson went from wanting to leave Baltimore to agreeing to the biggest contract in Ravens history in less than a month.
Think of it as just another one of Jackson’s incredible spin maneuvers.
Jackson and the Ravens announced on Thursday that they had negotiated a five-year contract after 27 months of difficult negotiations.
According to a source who spoke to ESPN, the deal is valued at $260 million, making Jackson the highest-paid player in the league at $52 million annually. According to the source, guaranteed funds totaling $185 million are included.
Prior reports said that Jackson was vying for Deshaun Watson’s guaranteed $230 million from the Cleveland Browns from the previous season. The Cardinals guaranteed Kyler Murray $189.5 million of his five-year, $230.5 million contract.
In a video that the Ravens uploaded to Twitter, Jackson stated, “There has been a lot of he said, she said for the last few months.” Much chewing of nails. Many people are scratching their heads.
Then Jackson continued, “But for the next five years, there’s a lot of ‘flock’ going on,” raising a football bearing the Ravens’ insignia.
The Ravens helped Jackson by selecting Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers at No. 22 overall, which elicited some positive reaction from Jackson on social media moments later. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta wouldn’t say how much Hurts’ deal impacted the one with Jackson, estimating that the Ravens have given Jackson five to six different proposals over the past couple of years. “We do feel that he’s the best quarterback,” said Jackson, who represented himself in the negotiations. Hurts signed a five-year contract extension worth $255 million, including $180 million guaranteed. The agreement also came just before the NFL draft began.
