How Will Ravens Handle Lamar Jackson's Contract Extension?

Ravens' Contract Strategy

• 💡 Owner Steve Bisciotti aims to create another competitive "window" for the team and wants to finalize Lamar Jackson's contract urgently before free agency.
• 🎯 The preference is for a deal that mirrors Lamar's previous contract structure but includes a higher annual salary.

Financial Mechanics of the Deal

• 💰 Lamar's last contract was a straightforward 5-year, $52.5 million deal without complex additions.
• 📈 The Ravens could potentially structure a new agreement to show an annual value of over $60 million without actually paying that full amount, utilizing similar financial mechanisms.
• ✅ A primary objective is to reduce the $74.5 million cap charge to allow the team to sign other free agents.

Lamar Jackson's Market Value

• 🌟 Lamar Jackson is considered deserving of being among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, comparable to players like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow.
• ⚠️ The speakers criticize teams that overpay less-talented quarterbacks, arguing that such decisions can negatively impact overall team quality.

Offseason Program Participation

• 🏈 Lamar Jackson previously missed offseason programs, which reportedly cost him $1.5 million over two years.
• 🤝 A significant challenge for any new coaching staff will be to ensure Lamar's consistent presence and participation in offseason workouts with his teammates, addressing concerns about his nutrition and conditioning.