After two years of negotiation, tags, and even a trade request, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens have finally reached an agreement. The team announced on Thursday that both parties have agreed in principle on a five-year extension for the star quarterback.
According to CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson, Jackson’s deal is worth an astounding $260 million over five years, with $185 million guaranteed. This lucrative contract makes Jackson the league’s highest-paid player, with an average annual salary of $52 million. The new deal surpasses that of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who recently became the league’s highest-paid player after signing a five-year, $255 million extension. In terms of guaranteed money, Jackson’s contract ranks second only to Deshaun Watson’s $230 million deal with the Cleveland Browns.
This news comes just a month after Jackson had requested a trade when the two sides were once again unable to agree on a new contract. The Ravens had previously placed the non-exclusive rights tag on Jackson, a former league MVP and two-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
In a video celebrating the news, Jackson expressed his excitement and relief, saying, “For the last few months, there’s been a lot of he said, she said. A lot of nail biting, a lot of head scratching going on.” He went on to share his enthusiasm for the upcoming years, adding, “But for the next five years, it’s a lot of Flock going on. Let’s go, baby. Let’s go. Let’s go, man. Can’t wait to get there, can’t wait to be there. Can’t wait to light up M&T for the next five years, man. Let’s get it.”
With this new deal in place, the Baltimore Ravens and their fans can look forward to having their dynamic quarterback leading the team for the next five years. Jackson’s record-breaking contract further solidifies his place as one of the NFL’s premier players and demonstrates the Ravens’ commitment to building a winning team around him.