Lamar Jackson is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Ravens, so all eyes have been on the star quarterback in anticipation of a lucrative extension. Especially because, as coach John Harbaugh and owner Steve Bisciotti reiterated this week, Jackson hasn't shown much urgency to discuss a new deal. If anyone believes the QB's hesitation stems from discontentment in Baltimore, however, they are sorely mistaken, according to Jackson, who tweeted Wednesday that he "loves" the Ravens, adding that any notion he's considering a future split from the team is a "false narrative."
"I love my Ravens," Jackson wrote. "I don't know who the hell (is) putting that false narrative out that I'm having thoughts about leaving. Stop (trying to) read my mind."
It's not clear who, exactly, Jackson is blaming for the "false narrative." Bisciotti, for example, put the onus on Jackson to ignite contract talks while addressing reporters at owners meetings this week, but he didn't suggest the QB wants to play elsewhere. He did, however, cast doubt on the possibility of signing Jackson to a long-term deal before the start of the 2022 season, which would potentially make the former NFL MVP a candidate for a franchise tag in 2023.
Jackson has represented himself, along with help from his mother, in past contract matters. It's possible he could be holding out of negotiations until Baltimore ups its potential offers, particularly in light of the Browns' unprecedented move to sign Deshaun Watson, who still faces 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault or misconduct, to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal. Will Brinson and the "Pick Six NFL Podcast" crew speculated Wednesday that the 25-year-old Jackson should command a new contract that at least matches Watson's average annual value ($46 million).
Jackson is due $23 million in 2022 on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal.