Ravens’ Lamar Jackson says he loves team, rips ‘false narrative’ about him leaving Baltimore
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Lamar Jackson is pushing back on the notion that he wants to leave the Baltimore Ravens.
The 2019 NFL MVP on Wednesday tweeted that he loves the team and lashed out at a “false narrative” surrounding his playing future with the Ravens. Jackson wrote, “I love my Ravens. I don’t know why the hell you’re putting that false narrative out. I’m having thoughts of leaving.
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Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 5, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
(Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
His comments quickly drew a response from Ravens’ All-Pro tackle Ronnie Stanley and recently retired safety Anthony Levine Sr., who spent 10 seasons with Baltimore. Although it is not clear what prompted Jackson’s social media comments, they were made after Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti had discussed negotiations regarding the quarterback’s contract at the NFL league meeting in Florida.
Bisciotti reiterated that the team was committed to signing its star quarterback to a long-term deal, despite Jackson reportedly being slow to engage with general manager Eric DeCosta in contract talks.
Bisciotti said he didn’t expect Jackson to sign an extension before this season unless the quarterback “has a change of heart.” He described Jackson’s decision to wait as “unique as hell,” ESPN reported.
Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens laughs with owner Steve Bisciotti during training camp at M&T Bank Stadium on July 31, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland.
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
“It’s unique as hell because everybody expects you to say, ‘I’ve got to get mine now,'” Bisciotti said. “The kid is so obsessed about winning the Super Bowl that he thinks he’s not worthy. He wants to be able to say, “Now, I deserve the top.” “
The Ravens could use the franchise tag to keep Jackson in the fold if extension talks don’t lead to a new contract by the next offseason. Jackson would be prevented from becoming a free agent by this clause.
Jackson, who is in the final year of his rookie deal, will earn $23 million this season, with a new contract likely making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid players.
Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after losing to the Miami Dolphins 22-10 in the game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
(Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
“But it’s like, Eric can’t keep calling him and say, ‘Hey Lamar, you really need to get in here and get this thing done.’ “That’s not a GM job,” Bisciotti said. “Kirk Cousins did this the right way. What if Lamar said that? “I’ll play on for the fifth year. I’ll be a franchisee. I’ll be playing on another franchise and then you can sign my name. ‘”
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ new deal averages $50 million per year and Deshaun Watson, who is facing 22 civil lawsuits over sexual assault allegations, landed a fully guaranteed $230 million contract from the Cleveland Browns this month.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who was selected No. 7 overall in Jackson’s 2018 draft class, signed a six-year, $258 million extension with the team last summer.
Jackson, 25, is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. His 2021 season was cut short due to an injury suffered against the Browns.
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He finished last season with 2,882 passing yards, 16 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions in 12 games for Baltimore — in addition to 767 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report
I have been writing professionally for over 20 years and have a deep understanding of the psychological and emotional elements that affect people. I’m an experienced ghostwriter and editor, as well as an award-winning author of five novels.
