“Despite the best efforts of both parties, we were unable to reach a contract extension with Lamar Jackson,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. “We greatly appreciate the way he has handled this process and are excited about our team with Lamar leading the way. We will continue to work toward a long-term contract after the season, but for now we look forward to a successful 2022 campaign.” Jackson, who is one of the few players in the NFL to represent himself, had said he wanted to end talks before the start of the regular season. On Wednesday, he said Friday will be the cutoff point.
If the sides can’t reach an agreement by March 7, Baltimore would have to place the franchise tag on Jackson to prevent him from becoming a free agent. Jackson, 25, will earn $23.016 million in his fifth-year option. This year, three franchise quarterbacks signed deals that exceeded $165 million in guaranteed money. Jackson was asked Wednesday if he thinks it’s a risk to play without guaranteed money beyond this season. “He was a pretty big risk last season. The year before,” Jackson said this week. “I’m just playing football. Anything can happen. God forbid the mistake happens.” Jackson and the Ravens open the season at the New York Jets on Sunday.
