Could Ravens QB Lamar Jackson's Contract Extension 'Age Poorly'?
The Baltimore Ravens made arguably the biggest move of the NFL offseason when they re-signed quarterback Lamar Jackson.
For months, the saga between Jackson and the Ravens captured headlines across the NFL world. He remained unsigned throughout the entire season, and even requested a trade during the offseason. However, the two sides made amends when the Ravens signed Jackson to a five-year extension worth $260 million, making him the highest-paid player in the league.
Many have declared the signing as a massive win for the Ravens, as they retained their franchise quarterback and then improved the offense around him. The extension comes with a big risk, though, and to some, that risk isn't entirely worth it. That's the case for Bleacher Report, which declared that the Jackson signing will be one of this offseason's moves that will age poorly.
"He may be just 26, but Jackson in his last three seasons, Jackson has been a Pro Bowler just once and hasn't been a first- or second-team All-Pro at all," Bleacher Report writes. "He's also got a mediocre 92.5 passer rating during that stretch, along with 29 interceptions. And most dauntingly, he's failed to complete the last two seasons due to injury.
"Anything short of Super Bowl-level success in the next few years will be reason for the Ravens to regret this gamble. And at this stage, I have little reason to expect that from Jackson and a team that will be handcuffed as a result of his contract."
Bleacher Report does raise some valid concerns. Jackson's injury issues are especially concerning as he has missed 11 games over the last two seasons, including the Ravens' playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals in January.
That said, there is also great upside with the signing. If Jackson can regain his MVP form from 2019 with better talent around him, then the Ravens have some championship potential.
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