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Lamar Jackson Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

NFL executive rips Baltimore Ravens for handling of Lamar Jackson contract situation

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Matt Johnson | Last updated 4/7/23

The Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson are each facing uncertain futures after a challenging offseason for both sides. While Jackson has received plenty of criticism around the league, the Ravens' front office is also under fire from some of its peers.

Baltimore has made multiple contract offers to Jackson over the last year, proposing a variety of long-term deals that would make him one of the highest-paid NFL quarterbacks. However, Jackson has publicly called out the organization’s proposals and recently announced his trade request.

While the Ravens want the 2019 NFL MVP back, relying on him as the centerpiece of their offense, the likelihood of that is quickly fading. Even with more NFL teams taking themselves out of the running for the 26-year-old quarterback, Baltimore appears to be preparing for a change under center next season and beyond.

Amid ongoing debate and speculation regarding Jackson’s plans for the 2023 season, including whether or not he’ll play, Baltimore is now receiving some criticism from around the NFL.

Speaking to Mike Sando of The Athletic, one NFL executive criticized the Ravens for failing to sign Jackson to a contract extension earlier. They also compared Baltimore to the Green Bay Packers, specifically the inability to build a strong relationship with the face of the franchise.

“We all agree the player (Jackson) is not able to win in the playoffs (1-3 record), but where is your better answer? You don’t have one. They should have committed to Lamar two years ago. Instead, they disenfranchised their franchise quarterback? They are the Green Bay of the AFC North, couldn’t have a relationship with the top guy (quarterback).”

Jackson has received his own share of criticism for his asking price. When the Cleveland Browns signed Deshaun Watson to a fully-guaranteed $230 million contract, the Ravens knew it would cause problems for them. While Jackson isn’t reportedly asking for a fully-guaranteed extension, the NFL star does want a record-setting total for guaranteed money.

The history of contract extensions for quarterbacks with playoff struggles

As the anonymous NFL executive pointed out, Jackson does have a losing record in the NFL playoffs. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that this hasn’t historically prevented teams from making quarterbacks with playoff struggles some of the highest-paid NFL players.

Bomani Jones of ESPN highlighted Peyton Manning as an example. The Indianapolis Colts signed Manning to a record-setting extension in March 2004, including a then-record $34.5 million signing bonus.

The extension came just a few months after Manning threw four interceptions in a 24-14 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, dropping his postseason record to 2-4.

There are more recent examples across the NFL. The Houston Texans signed Watson to a $160 million contract extension in September 2020, despite his 1-2 record in the playoffs. Kyler Murray ($230.5 million over five years), Josh Allen ($258 million over six years), Daniel Jones ($160 million over four years) and Dak Prescott ($160 million over four years) all landed extensions despite not having a winning record in the playoffs.

The lack of interest in Jackson this offseason remains telling and can certainly be tied to his asking price and recent durability issues. This doesn't change the fact that the Ravens attempted repeatedly to lowball him on his contract extension despite the fact that a losing record in the playoffs has rarely been an issue for some of the highest-paid quarterbacks in football.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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