The Ravens star claims that Baltimore and Lamar Jackson still have unresolved business.

The Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson have been a subject of much conversation in recent years, particularly with regard to contract negotiations and the future of the team’s franchise quarterback. Lamar Jackson has undoubtedly been one of the most dynamic players in the NFL, revolutionizing the quarterback position with his unique skill set that blends elite athleticism with arm strength and football IQ. As the 2019 MVP and a player who led the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances, Jackson has cemented his place as one of the league’s brightest stars.

However, despite his success on the field, the relationship between Jackson and the Ravens has been less than straightforward off the field. The lack of a long-term contract extension has caused significant tension and uncertainty, with both sides appearing to have unresolved business that could affect the future trajectory of the team and Jackson’s career.

In recent comments, a key Ravens star has weighed in on the situation, suggesting that there is still work to be done in terms of resolving the issues surrounding Lamar Jackson’s contract, his future with the team, and the direction the franchise will take. This commentary comes at a pivotal time, as the Ravens are under pressure to make decisions that will determine their short- and long-term success.

This unresolved business, as discussed by the Ravens star, isn’t merely about money or contracts; it’s also about the broader vision for the franchise, the kind of offense the Ravens want to run, and Lamar Jackson’s place within that vision. The comments have sparked further conversation in the media and among fans, shedding light on the complexity of the relationship between Jackson and the team, as well as what needs to happen for both sides to reach a resolution.

Lamar Jackson’s Journey in Baltimore: A Star on the Rise

When Lamar Jackson was selected by the Ravens with the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, many analysts questioned the team’s decision. Jackson was seen as a project—someone who would need time to develop and transition from his college style of play to the more traditional NFL quarterback position. However, Jackson quickly proved the doubters wrong, with his incredible athleticism and playmaking ability giving the Ravens an entirely new dimension on offense.

In his rookie season, Jackson took over the starting quarterback role mid-year and led the Ravens to a playoff berth. His ability to extend plays with his legs, combined with his increasing command of the passing game, made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch. By his second season, Jackson had taken the NFL by storm, winning the MVP award after leading the league in both passing touchdowns and rushing yards as a quarterback.

The Ravens, led by head coach John Harbaugh, embraced Jackson’s unique skill set, tailoring their offense around him to maximize his abilities. The team’s run-heavy offense, paired with Jackson’s ability to make plays with his arm and legs, made the Ravens one of the most dangerous teams in the league. However, despite Jackson’s individual success and the Ravens’ playoff appearances, there has been a lingering issue: contract negotiations.

The Contract Standoff: Unresolved Business

As one of the league’s top quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson is deserving of a contract extension that reflects his status as a franchise player. However, his situation has been complicated by a variety of factors. One of the primary issues has been Jackson’s unique contract negotiations. Jackson, who does not have an agent, has negotiated his contract directly with the Ravens, leading to some speculation about whether this unorthodox approach has created friction with the team’s front office.

In addition to his unconventional negotiation tactics, there has been a difference in opinion about Jackson’s value. While the Ravens have made it clear that they view Jackson as their franchise quarterback, they have been hesitant to offer him the kind of massive deal that some of his peers have received, particularly when compared to the market-setting contracts given to quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Deshaun Watson.

The Ravens, historically, have been known for their strong defense and run-first offensive philosophy. While Jackson’s talent is undeniable, there have been questions about whether he can lead the team to a Super Bowl when the offense is often built around a running game that doesn’t always maximize Jackson’s passing ability. Additionally, the Ravens have been hesitant to fully embrace the pass-heavy offense that some of Jackson’s peers operate in, and this dynamic has led to ongoing uncertainty.

Jackson himself has remained resolute in his belief that he is one of the top quarterbacks in the league, and his performance on the field has certainly backed up that claim. However, the lack of a long-term contract has led to speculation that Jackson’s future in Baltimore is in jeopardy. Every year that goes by without an extension, the pressure mounts, and the unresolved business only grows.

The Ravens Star Speaks Out: Unresolved Business with Jackson

Amid all the speculation and uncertainty, a Ravens star player—whose identity remains closely tied to Jackson’s success—has recently spoken out, highlighting the unresolved business between Baltimore and their quarterback. While the player has remained diplomatic in his statements, it is clear that this issue is a source of concern for the team.

The star player suggested that, while both the Ravens organization and Lamar Jackson have accomplished a great deal together, there is still work to be done. The lack of a long-term deal creates unnecessary distractions and puts both sides in a tough position. On one hand, Jackson is performing at an elite level and deserves to be compensated accordingly. On the other hand, the Ravens are trying to balance their financial flexibility with the desire to build a championship-caliber roster around Jackson.

The star player emphasized that it’s not just about the money—it’s about the larger vision for the team. For Jackson to continue playing at an MVP level, the Ravens need to put the right pieces around him. This means giving him the weapons he needs in the passing game, improving the offensive line to keep him upright, and creating a system that allows him to thrive as a passer, not just a runner. The unresolved business is not just about the contract; it’s about the Ravens’ long-term strategy and how they plan to position Jackson as the centerpiece of a Super Bowl-caliber team.

The Importance of Resolving the Issue: Team Chemistry and Focus

While the uncertainty surrounding Jackson’s contract continues to loom over the franchise, it’s essential for the Ravens to resolve this issue sooner rather than later. The star player’s comments reflect a larger sentiment within the team: the longer the contract situation drags on, the more distractions it creates, which can affect team chemistry and focus. The Ravens need clarity on Jackson’s future to move forward with their plans for the roster, both in terms of free-agent acquisitions and the draft.

The unresolved business between Jackson and the Ravens also affects the locker room dynamic. While Jackson is clearly the leader of the team, the lingering uncertainty around his contract situation could lead to doubts about the long-term direction of the franchise. The Ravens’ players want to know that the team is committed to Jackson and that the future is stable. Only by addressing the contract issue head-on can the Ravens avoid any potential distractions that might arise as a result of this uncertainty.

Moreover, with the NFL’s salary cap system, the Ravens need to make critical decisions about how to allocate their financial resources. If they are to sign Jackson to a long-term extension, it will require careful planning to ensure that the team remains competitive in other areas. Resolving the business with Jackson will allow the Ravens to make more informed decisions about how to build a championship roster.

What’s Next: The Future of Lamar Jackson and the Ravens

Looking ahead, there are a few potential scenarios that could unfold in this ongoing saga. The most obvious solution is for the Ravens and Lamar Jackson to come to terms on a long-term extension. This would solidify Jackson’s future in Baltimore and give the franchise the stability it needs to move forward with their roster-building plans.

Another possibility is that the Ravens and Jackson continue to operate on a year-to-year basis, using the franchise tag if necessary to keep Jackson on the roster. While this would allow the team to retain Jackson’s services, it would create further uncertainty and limit the team’s flexibility to build around him.

There’s also the potential that Jackson could eventually seek a trade if his relationship with the Ravens continues to sour. However, this remains a last-resort option for both sides, as trading away a franchise quarterback is never a decision taken lightly.

The most likely scenario is that the Ravens will eventually come to terms with Jackson on a deal that reflects his value. However, until that happens, the unresolved business will continue to be a point of contention. As both sides work toward a resolution, one thing is clear: the future of the Ravens and Lamar Jackson is inextricably linked, and how this situation plays out will have a profound impact on the team’s success in the years to come.