The Baltimore Ravens want to once more make Lamar Jackson the highest-paid football player.

As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the Baltimore Ravens are once again making headlines in the sports world, and this time, it’s all about their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. The Ravens are reportedly aiming to make Jackson the highest-paid player in the league, a bold move that would not only solidify Jackson’s place in the annals of NFL history but also send a strong message to the rest of the league about their commitment to building around their franchise player. This decision comes after months of negotiations, uncertainty, and anticipation about Lamar Jackson’s future with the team. With the Ravens finally poised to secure the deal, this monumental step will have far-reaching implications for both Jackson and the franchise.

The Lamar Jackson Legacy in Baltimore

Lamar Jackson’s journey with the Ravens has been nothing short of extraordinary. Drafted in 2018 as the 32nd overall pick in the first round, Jackson quickly became one of the most electrifying players in the NFL. His unique ability to blend passing accuracy with an unparalleled rushing ability set him apart from other quarterbacks in the league. Over his first few seasons, Jackson transformed the Ravens into one of the most dynamic offenses in football, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and, in 2019, winning the NFL MVP award. His 2019 season, in which he threw for over 3,100 yards and rushed for over 1,200 yards, is considered one of the most impressive seasons by a quarterback in recent memory.

Jackson’s impact goes beyond statistics. He brought a new style of play to the quarterback position, one that has redefined how teams approach offense. His combination of speed, vision, and football IQ allowed the Ravens to build an offense that was centered around his dual-threat ability, turning what was once a conventional, power-run heavy offense into a highly efficient and unpredictable juggernaut.

However, Jackson’s influence extends beyond his on-field play. As one of the most recognizable athletes in the league, Lamar Jackson became the face of the Ravens and a symbol of their success. He’s been an ambassador for the team and the city, while his rise to prominence also made him a key figure in the broader conversation about the future of the quarterback position in the NFL.

Despite some playoff struggles in the later years, including injuries that have hampered his post-season success, Jackson’s significance to the Ravens franchise remains undeniable. His ability to change the game, lead his team, and generate excitement around the organization is one of the primary reasons the Ravens are so committed to retaining him for the long term. Now, with talks of a new contract, Baltimore is looking to lock down Jackson’s future for the foreseeable future and make him the highest-paid player in the NFL.

Why the Ravens Want to Make Lamar Jackson the Highest-Paid Player

Lamar Jackson is currently playing under a franchise tag after a lengthy negotiation process that stretched into the 2023 NFL season. The Ravens and Jackson have yet to agree on a long-term deal, and while some questioned the Ravens’ ability to get a deal done, their willingness to make Jackson the highest-paid quarterback in the league signals a shift in their approach to contract negotiations.

Making Jackson the highest-paid player in the NFL is not just about securing him for the future. It is also a statement about the team’s commitment to their quarterback and their belief in his ability to lead them to a Super Bowl. In an era where quarterback contracts have soared to unprecedented levels, it’s not surprising that Jackson’s camp is pushing for a contract that reflects his unique talents and value to the Ravens.

One key reason the Ravens are looking to make Jackson the highest-paid player is his unmatched skill set. The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and while there are many talented quarterbacks in the NFL, few possess the same combination of athleticism, arm strength, and intelligence as Lamar Jackson. His ability to make plays with his legs and arms makes him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league. A quarterback like Jackson isn’t easy to find, and with teams across the league searching for that elusive franchise quarterback, Baltimore is eager to lock him down before another team can swoop in and offer him a deal he can’t refuse.

Another reason for the Ravens’ desire to make Jackson the highest-paid player is the current market for quarterbacks. Since Jackson entered the league, the quarterback position has continued to evolve. With players like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts signing massive contracts, the bar for quarterback salaries has been set incredibly high. Jackson, despite his MVP award and historic impact on the game, is due for a payday that mirrors the current trend in the NFL. The Ravens understand the need to pay their quarterback his due in order to keep him happy and motivated to lead the team to future success.

Finally, making Jackson the highest-paid player would send a clear message to the league that the Ravens are committed to winning and are willing to invest in their franchise quarterback. Teams that fail to make their star players feel appreciated often face discontent and unrest, as evidenced by the drama surrounding quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Deshaun Watson in recent years. By paying Jackson what he is worth, the Ravens aim to avoid any future uncertainty surrounding his contract and ensure that their star player is fully invested in the team’s long-term goals.

What Lamar Jackson’s Contract Will Mean for the Ravens

Should the Ravens succeed in making Lamar Jackson the highest-paid player in the NFL, it will be a game-changer for the franchise, both on and off the field. Financially, this contract would represent a significant investment in Jackson’s future with the team. But it also sends a message to the league that Baltimore is committed to maintaining their competitive edge by keeping one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the game.

However, the contract extension will also have implications for the team’s salary cap and roster construction. The Ravens will need to balance paying Jackson a substantial salary with maintaining a competitive team around him. While Jackson has proven that he can carry a team on his back, the Ravens will need to continue to build a strong supporting cast, including offensive line protection, wide receiver talent, and a robust defense. The success of the deal will hinge not only on Jackson’s continued excellence but on the team’s ability to surround him with the right pieces to win championships.

Additionally, making Jackson the highest-paid player will elevate his stature as one of the faces of the NFL. Jackson has already been a trailblazer in the league, especially as one of the few MVP quarterbacks to have achieved such success without being an established pocket passer. His ability to earn this contract is a testament to how far he has come as a quarterback and how much the NFL has embraced his style of play.

The Implications for the League

Lamar Jackson’s impending contract extension will also have broader implications for the NFL and its quarterback market. With the salary cap continuing to rise and the league’s television deals bringing in substantial revenue, teams are more willing than ever to make long-term investments in their quarterbacks. Jackson’s deal could set a new precedent for how teams view dual-threat quarterbacks and could force other franchises to reevaluate their own quarterback contracts.

For teams with star quarterbacks like Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, and Joe Burrow, Jackson’s deal may serve as a benchmark. These quarterbacks, who represent the future of the NFL, will be watching Jackson’s contract closely. As Jackson’s contract pushes the salary cap envelope, other quarterbacks could follow suit, demanding comparable deals for their services.

Lamar Jackson’s Long-Term Future with the Ravens

As the negotiations continue to unfold, one thing is clear: Lamar Jackson’s future in Baltimore is bright. While he has had to endure a lengthy and sometimes contentious contract negotiation, the Ravens are committed to making him the centerpiece of their franchise. With his unique talents and ability to elevate the Ravens to playoff contention year after year, Jackson is more than deserving of a contract that reflects his value to the team.

Jackson’s ability to push the envelope on what’s possible for a quarterback is unmatched, and as he enters the prime of his career, his leadership will be key to the Ravens’ success for years to come. With the franchise looking to make him the highest-paid player in the NFL, it’s clear that Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are in this together, hoping to build a future that is not only successful but historic.

 A New Era for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens

The move to make Lamar Jackson the highest-paid player in the NFL is more than just a financial decision for the Ravens; it’s an affirmation of the team’s commitment to Jackson as the future of their franchise. For Jackson, this contract will solidify his place as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks and one of the most respected figures in the league. For the Ravens, securing Jackson for the long haul is a bold move that signals their belief in his abilities and their dedication to building a championship-caliber team around him. As the negotiations unfold, the next chapter of Lamar Jackson’s legacy in Baltimore is about to be written, and it promises to be a thrilling one.