Quarterback Lamar Jackson wants the Baltimore Ravens to come forward with an offer similar to what the Cleveland Browns gave to Deshaun Watson last year — five years, $230 million and a fully guaranteed deal, ESPN reported Thursday.
While head coach John Harbaugh said last month the Ravens are “200 percent” committed to Jackson as their long-term quarterback, the team has yet to come up with an offer to satisfy him.
ESPN reported that Jackson rejected a five-year, $250 million offer with $133 million in guarantees last fall. Last year’s other significant quarterback contracts yielded less guaranteed money at signing. Russell Wilson received $124 million guaranteed from the Denver Broncos, while Kyler Murray got $103.3 million in Arizona.
The Ravens can use the franchise tag to continue negotiating with Jackson or while trying to work out a trade if they believe the chances of signing him are slim.
Should they use the non-exclusive tag, he would earn $32.4 million. With the exclusive tag, he would be locked in for the season at about $45 million.
With the non-exclusive franchise tag, teams that want to trade for Jackson can submit an offer sheet and a commitment to send two first-round picks to Baltimore. With the other tag, the Ravens can either keep him off limits to other teams or set the asking price.
Jackson, 26, missed the final five games of the regular season, plus the wild-card playoff loss at Cincinnati, with a knee sprain. He did not travel with the Ravens for the game at Cincinnati, sparking speculation he was ready to move on in the offseason.
The Ravens have until March 7 at 4 p.m. ET to work out a deal with Jackson or use the franchise tag to keep him from free agency.
In 12 games last season, Jackson threw for 2,242 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also led the Ravens in rushing with 764 yards and three touchdowns.
The 2019 league MVP, Jackson has played in 70 games (61 starts) since the Ravens selected him with the last pick of the first round in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has completed 63.7 percent of his passes for 12,209 yards with 101 touchdowns and 38 interceptions. He has run for 4,437 yards and 24 scores.
He has a 45-16 record as a starter.
–Field Level Media
