NFL GM: Ravens Lamar Jackson 'Not the Right Player' for Guaranteed Contract
Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has tried to set up a contract extension with quarterback Lamar Jackson ... but the two sides were reportedly far apart in terms of details.
The primary dilemma was guaranteed money - Jackson, naturally, wanted more (if not all) of it, while DeCosta and the Ravens didn't.
And according to an anonymous general manager, it's Jackson - not DeCosta - who's facing an uphill climb.
"Lamar might not be the right player to fight this fight," the general manager told ESPN.
Why?
The reasons provided by the general manager included Jackson's durability concerns, his self-representation and the presence of the non-exclusive franchise tag, which gives the Ravens a chance to match offers from other teams.
There have been multiple fully guaranteed contracts given out to quarterbacks - the Minnesota Vikings have done so with Kirk Cousins, while the Cleveland Browns are on the books for $230 million with Deshaun Watson.
But Jackson, the 2019 Most Valuable Player who's missed five regular season games in each of the past two years, evidently hasn't inspired enough confidence in his health in order to demand a contract as such.
These are far from new "concerns" surrounding Jackson - Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said durability was the primary reason his team didn't join in the pursuit - but remain telling as to how those around the league perceive the contract situation.
With receiver Odell Beckham Jr. now on board, the Ravens and Jackson appear to be trending towards a reunion ... but it may cost some compromise from the latter.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter at @DFlickDraft
Follow the Baltimore Ravens Daily Blitz Podcast
Follow Raven Country on Twitter and Facebook
Ravens Alert! Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Baltimore Ravens?
