Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson took the ultimate chance and bet on himself this NFL season. After failing to reach an agreement with the Ravens on a long-term extension, the Pompano Beach, Florida native, who went 32nd overall in the 2018 draft, is currently playing on the $23 million 5th-year option of his rookie contract.
Jackson reportedly turned down a 5-year offer worth roughly $250 million, with $133 million guaranteed — something many were not surprised by because Deshaun Jackson’s contract, signed this summer, changed the goalposts for QB contracts, especially for a dual-threat player like Lamar Jackson who runs the ball as well as he throws the ball.
Although the two-time Pro Bowl QB had a hot start to the season throwing 10 touchdown passes in the first three games, Jackson has not played since spraining his PCL in Week 13. Could missing a significant amount of play time this season impact his next deal?
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What is Lamar Jackson’s status for the Ravens vs Bengals Wild Card Game?
Ravens’ head coach John Harbaugh mentioned that Jackson was in good spirits earlier this week and wants to play, however his status is still uncertain for Sunday. On Thursday, Jackson was reportedly not at practice, and QB Tyler Huntley threw during the session (Huntley has also dealt with recent injury and missed the last game of the regular season with tendinitis in his throwing shoulder). Also on Thursday afternoon, Jackson shared an update on Twitter, writing: “I want to give you all an update as I am in the recovery process. I’ve suffered a PCL grade 2 sprain on the borderline of a strain 3. There is still inflammation surrounding my knee and my knee remains unstable. I’m still in good spirits, as I continue with treatments on the road to recovery. I wish I could be out there with my guys more than anything but I can’t give [100%] of myself to my guys and fans I’m still hopeful we still have a chance.”
Thank you everyone for your support and concerns regarding my injuries. I want to give you all an update as I am in the recovery process. I’ve suffered a PCL grade 2 sprain on the borderline of a strain 3. There is still inflammation surrounding my knee and my knee
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) January 12, 2023
remains unstable. I’m still in good spirits, as I continue with treatments on the road to recovery. I wish I could be out there with my guys more than anything but I can’t give a 100% of myself to my guys and fans I’m still hopeful we still have a chance. 💜💜
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) January 12, 2023
RELATED: What will Ravens do about Lamar Jackson’s contract?
Lamar Jackson’s rushing ability
In 12 games played during the regular season, the 2019 NFL MVP had 17 total touchdowns and led the Ravens with 764 rush yards this season.
Powered in part by Jackson, the Ravens offense ranked first in rush yards per game in 2019 (206) and 2020 (191.9) and was third in 2021 (145.8). In 2022, the team managed to finish ranked second in the league with 160.0 rush yards per game.
What will happen with Lamar Jackson’s contract at the end of the season?
Lamar Jackson is currently set to become a free agent after the season, however, he could be franchised tagged by the Ravens.
RELATED: Ravens, Roquan Smith agree to five-year extension
Does Lamar Jackson have an agent?
Lamar Jackson has represented himself during negotiations while leaning on the help of his mother, Felicia Jones, and the NFLPA (which reportedly advised him that he was justified to demand a fully guaranteed deal).
What other notable contracts were recently signed by NFL quarterbacks?
- Russell Wilson: 5 years, $245 million ($124M fully guaranteed) – August 2022
- Kyler Murray: 5 years, $230.5 million ($103.3M fully guaranteed) – July 2022
- Deshaun Watson: 5 years, $230 million (fully guaranteed) – March 2022
- Josh Allen: 6 years, $258 million ($100M fully guaranteed) – August 2021
- Patrick Mahomes: 10 years, $450 million ($63.1M fully guaranteed) – July 2020
The Baltimore Ravens will battle it out with the Cincinnati Bengals this week on Sunday Night Football in an AFC North Wild Card Weekend showdown you don’t want to miss. Live coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET with Football Night in America on NBC and Peacock. Kickoff time is at 8:15 p.m. See below for additional information on how to watch Sunday night’s Bengals vs Ravens matchup.
RELATED: How to watch Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens: TV, live stream info, game preview
How to watch Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals:
- Where: Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
- When: Sunday, January 15
- Start Time: 8:15 p.m. ET; live coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET with Football Night In America
- TV Channel: NBC
- Stream live: Watch live on Peacock or with the NBC Sports App
What time is kickoff for the Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals game?
Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. ET.
RELATED: 2022 Sunday Night Football Schedule: TV channel, live stream info, NFL schedule
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How to watch Sunday Night Football on Peacock:
If you have access to NBC via your TV provider, you can watch Sunday Night Football on your TV or with a TV provider login on the NBC Sports app, NBC app, or via NBCSports.com. Check your local listings to find your NBC channel. If you can’t find NBC in your channel lineup, please contact your TV provider.
RELATED: What to know about Super Bowl 2023 – Date, location, halftime performance info, and much more
If you don’t have access to NBC via your TV provider, you can stream Sunday Night Football on Peacock with a $4.99/month Peacock Premium plan. Sign up here or, if you already have a free Peacock account, go to your Account settings to upgrade or change your existing plan.
Please note that selection of a Premium plan will result in a charge which will recur on a monthly or annual basis until you cancel, depending on your plan. You can cancel your Premium plan at any time in your Account.
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