2023-04-28 21:49:51
By Leopold Grunwald
A few hours before the 2023 draft began, the time had finally come. Several NFL insiders reported that Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens had reached an agreement on a contract extension.
This ended a process that had lasted almost a year with the interruption caused by the 2022 regular season and had kept fans and the media in suspense.
Baltimore agreed to a five-year, $260 million contract with its franchise quarterback.
Jackson was also immediately enthusiastic on his social media channels, the hic-hack regarding franchise tag and trade demands seems to have been forgotten.
Jackson so far with a disastrous playoff record
Yes, to paraphrase a famous quote from the film: “With big contract comes big responsibility”.
The Ravens and their fans have every right to expect the 2019 MVP to lead the team more successfully than he has recently.
In the past two years, the Ravens even missed the finals, partly because Jackson missed both 2021 and 2022 with injuries in the decisive phase of the season.
But even if he reached the final tournament, the quarterback might do little so far. He now has to improve his playoff record of one win and three losses as quickly as possible. Early retirement must be an absolute taboo in the years to come.
Injuries are no longer an excuse
If Jackson was often forgiven for his injury breaks in the past in view of his unresolved contract situation, he will have to expect significantly more criticism in the future if he is absent.
This is all the more true given that Patrick Mahomes was able to win the Super Bowl last season despite a badly sprained ankle.
At the latest with the new working paper, the “puppy protection” for the highly talented Jackson has expired.
Given the $185 million guarantee in the quarterback’s new contract, he’ll have to grit his teeth and perform if he doesn’t want to agree with the critics, at least in the case of minor injuries.
Baltimore upgrades receiving corps
In addition, the 26-year-old can no longer hide behind the excuse of not getting enough help from his franchise.
Through free agency, the Ravens reinforced the receiving corps with superstar Odell Beckham Jr. and the experienced Nelson Agholor.
In the draft, the team followed up once more and selected Zay Flowers from Boston College with the 22nd pick.
So, including Rashod Bateman, four of Baltimore’s wide receivers are first-round picks.
quality at all levels
In addition, Jackson can fall back on the dangerous Devin Duvernay and the outstanding tight end Mark Andrews, among others.
No question: Baltimore has equipped its quarterback with top-class pass recipients both in the top and in the width.
Add to that the running game, which has been overwhelming for years, with running backs JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards.
Filling the offensive line with three former first-round picks shows that Baltimore isn’t stingy with its resources when it comes to protecting its quarterback either.
Not only the Ravens offensive full of top-class players
Though tackle Orlando Brown Jr. was traded a few years ago, the department is one of the better positional groups in the NFL, with veteran players like Ronnie Stanley and Kevin Zeitler.
But it’s not just Baltimore’s offense that’s ready for the title, defensive and special teams are also extremely dangerous.
Prior to last season, the club brought in inside linebacker Roquan Smith from Chicago. The investment of a second-round pick paid off as the Ravens conceded the third fewest points last season.
And as long as Justin Tucker is available as a kicker for the team, the club’s special teams must be among the best in the league.
Jackson has to deliver now
Since a large part of the salary cap will be spent on Jackson’s salary in the future, the quarterback is doubly responsible for the Ravens’ success. He’s got the pressure!
With an average annual salary of 52 million dollars, well-known – and therefore expensive – reinforcements should hardly fit under the salary cap.
The Ravens gave their quarterback the biggest contract in NFL history and provided all the building blocks for success.
Now it’s up to him to put them together and erect a monument to himself.
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