Ravens’ Jackson says there could be ‘cutoff’ point for negotiations
BALTIMORE — Lamar Jackson’s contract negotiations are lingering into training camp, and the Baltimore quarterback says at a certain point, it could be time to put those talks aside.
“There’s probably going to be a cutoff at some point, yes,” Jackson said Thursday.
The latest update from the Ravens’ star quarterback wasn’t exactly earth shattering: Yes, negotiations are ongoing. No, he wasn’t going to publicize details about topics such as guaranteed money. Yes, he thinks a deal will eventually get done, and yes, he hopes that will be before the season.
The most significant takeaway was probably the fact that Jackson seems willing to put a deadline on negotiations. That’s not a huge shock — contract talks during the season can be a distraction — but it suggests that if the Ravens don’t reach a long-term deal with him soon, this saga could stretch into next offseason.
“I get to talk to both sides, and both sides are very motivated to get the job done,” coach John Harbaugh said. “So, I feel like that’s kind of where it’s at.”
This season is Jackson’s fifth-year option, and it’s surprising that his contract status remains so uncertain. Josh Allen, another star quarterback drafted the same year as Jackson, signed his big extension last offseason. Kyler Murray received one earlier this month, and he was drafted a year after Jackson.
Still, the fact that this negotiation is going differently doesn’t mean it needs to cause drama.
“If Lamar is not concerned about the contract, nobody should be concerned about the contract,” receiver Rashod Bateman said. “That’s not up to us. We’re going to let whoever handles that handle it. We’re just going to play football. That’s what we’re called here to do, and that’s what we’re going to focus on.”