When Will The 'Dam Break' on Lamar Jackson's Ravens Future?
Just when the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson will agree on a new contract is anyone's guess. After negotiating for what feels like forever, crunch time has nearly come for the situation to be resolved one way or the other.
The Ravens have tried to do their part, signing Odell Beckham Jr. at Lamar's request, but even that didn't push things in a positive direction, nor did Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts' new deal.
The Odell signing and Hurts' new contract were two instances where NFL analyst Rich Eisen thought the Lamar Jackson contract situation would have resolved itself.
"Here we are, the Monday of draft week, and that Odell signing didn't break the dam on the spot," Eisen said on the Rich Eisen Show. "I thought the other thing that might break the dam is the Jalen Hurts contract signing because he's the first to go and sign a new contract this offseason in the quarterback group that can get an extension."
Time feels like it is running out for a deal to get done, and it is important to note that Jackson's non-exclusive franchise tender still needs to be signed.
With Tyler Huntley signing his free agent tender, the Ravens at least have an option at quarterback if Jackson makes a move to sit out the season (highly doubtful).
But as we approach the draft, Eisen is somewhat in disbelief that Lamar's future is still as uncertain as ever.
"But right now, Lamar's not signed, and guess what, the Odell signing didn't break the dam, and neither did the Hurts contract, so the clock's ticking," Eisen said. "Bottom line is Lamar's going into draft night with his future still an absolute question mark."
Perhaps Jackson is waiting until after the draft hoping a team doesn't get the players they are after. The market for a quarterback right now is virtually zero, as all attention is on the draft.
But post-draft, that could be a different story.
It all begs the question. If the Odell signing and the Hurts contract, which wasn't fully guaranteed, didn't move the needle, then what will it take for Lamar to sign on that dotted line?
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