Lamar Jackson makes fun of Benglas following the huge extensions of Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase.

Lamar Jackson, the star quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, is no stranger to headline-making moments. Recently, he created a stir by poking fun at the Cincinnati Bengals after the team handed out massive contract extensions to their star wide receivers, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. While the comments were lighthearted, they were indicative of the growing tension in the AFC North, where the Ravens and Bengals are locked in a fierce rivalry. Jackson’s playful remarks, though seemingly innocent at first glance, reflect a deeper, competitive edge as he looks to ensure that the Ravens remain at the top of the division in what promises to be a highly competitive few seasons.

As one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL, Jackson has earned his reputation for speaking his mind, but his comments about the Bengals and their wide receivers bring into focus the financial dynamics of the AFC North. The extensions for Higgins and Chase have been some of the most talked-about contract negotiations in recent seasons, with both players quickly becoming two of the most elite wideouts in the league. However, Jackson’s remarks seem to be more than just a joke; they are a sign of the heightened competition between the Ravens and Bengals, and the implications of those huge extensions for the AFC North race.

The Context of Lamar Jackson’s Comments

To fully understand the significance of Jackson’s comments, it’s important to grasp the context of his own contract situation. Jackson, who has been the face of the Ravens’ offense since he was drafted in 2018, has long been in negotiations with Baltimore for a new contract. While Jackson has led the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances, including an MVP season in 2019, contract talks have been somewhat contentious. One of the key issues has been Jackson’s desire for a fully guaranteed contract, something that has become a topic of debate within NFL circles, especially in light of the Cleveland Browns’ massive, fully guaranteed deal given to quarterback Deshaun Watson.

The fact that Jackson is still negotiating a contract while the Bengals hand out extensions to their star receivers like Chase and Higgins provides a fascinating juxtaposition. Chase, a former LSU standout and a top draft pick in 2021, has become one of the top wideouts in the NFL in a very short amount of time. Tee Higgins, another 2021 draft pick, has been a stellar second option for quarterback Joe Burrow, and he is now being rewarded with a significant contract extension. For Jackson, whose contract talks have stalled at times, these extensions can feel like a reminder of the value the Bengals are placing on their star players.

When Jackson made lighthearted comments about the Bengals following these big extensions, he was likely using humor to cope with the frustration that many feel about his contract situation. After all, the Ravens’ front office has yet to offer Jackson the fully guaranteed deal he seeks, whereas the Bengals, despite being in a similar financial situation, have clearly prioritized retaining their key offensive pieces in Higgins and Chase. This dynamic must be difficult for Jackson, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to be paid in a manner that reflects his importance to the Ravens’ success.

The Bengals’ Investment in Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase

The Bengals’ decision to lock up both Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase for the foreseeable future is a major statement regarding the direction of the franchise. While many teams in the NFL focus on investing in quarterbacks and offensive linemen, the Bengals have made it clear that they are going to build their offense around an explosive, high-powered passing attack led by quarterback Joe Burrow. The team has fully embraced the “Cincinnati Air Raid” philosophy, and both Chase and Higgins have been central to this offensive revolution.

Chase, who was selected fifth overall in the 2021 draft, quickly became one of the most electrifying wide receivers in the NFL. In his first two seasons, he recorded over 2,000 yards receiving and scored 18 touchdowns. He was a key part of the Bengals’ march to the Super Bowl during the 2021 season and has continued to develop into one of the league’s top-tier wideouts. Higgins, while perhaps not as flashy as Chase, has been incredibly consistent as the Bengals’ No. 2 option. His size, route running, and ability to stretch the field complement Chase’s explosive skill set, making the Bengals’ receiving corps one of the most dynamic in the league.

By extending both players, the Bengals have set themselves up for long-term success. The team has made it clear that they are committed to building around Burrow, and keeping both of his top targets in the fold is crucial for that effort. This duo, along with Burrow’s elite skill set, gives the Bengals an offense that can contend with the best in the NFL. In turn, the extensions have made the Bengals a popular pick to be one of the favorites in the AFC for years to come, especially as they have a young quarterback on a relatively inexpensive contract.

For Jackson, however, seeing the Bengals make these moves while his own contract remains unresolved could be a source of frustration. The Ravens have long been a defensive-minded team, and while they have made improvements on offense in recent years, they are still searching for that balance that can compete with high-flying offenses like Cincinnati’s. Jackson knows the pressure is on him to deliver in this offensive arms race, and he might see these extensions as a reminder of the Bengals’ increasing dominance in the AFC North.

Jackson’s Response: More Than Just a Joke

When Jackson made his remarks about the Bengals, many assumed they were made in jest. However, his comments may also be a subtle shot at the current financial dynamics in the NFL and a reflection of his own frustration. As a quarterback who has led his team to the playoffs multiple times, won an MVP award, and remains one of the most electrifying players in the league, Jackson has a strong case for being paid like the elite talent he is.

Yet, the Ravens have been slow to meet Jackson’s demands. Unlike the Bengals, who have shown a willingness to lock up their stars, Baltimore has been hesitant to make a long-term commitment to their quarterback. This disparity may have prompted Jackson’s playful jabs at the Bengals, using humor to both mock their decisions and possibly highlight the contrast between the way the two franchises approach player investments.

Jackson’s comments could be seen as a challenge to the Ravens, a subtle nudge to remind them that he deserves to be paid like the other top quarterbacks in the league. The Bengals, with their substantial investments in Chase and Higgins, have clearly prioritized their offensive firepower. If Jackson is to have a similar situation in Baltimore, the Ravens might need to meet him halfway in terms of financial commitment.

AFC North Rivalry Heating Up

As Jackson and the Ravens continue to prepare for the 2023 season, the rivalry between the Ravens and Bengals looks set to intensify. With Burrow’s emergence as one of the best quarterbacks in the league and the Bengals’ dynamic offense, Baltimore knows it needs to step up its game. The Ravens’ defense is solid, but Jackson’s ability to lead the offense will be crucial if they are to compete with Cincinnati and the other top AFC teams.

Both teams are in a window of contention, and while the Bengals have locked up their stars on offense, the Ravens need to do the same with Jackson. Without a stable quarterback situation, it’s difficult to see how Baltimore will be able to keep pace with the high-scoring Bengals. Jackson’s playful remarks are a reminder to the Ravens that while they may have the defense to compete, they need to prioritize their quarterback and ensure that they have the pieces around him to succeed in this new era of offensive football.