NFL 2022: Projecting the next 5 biggest quarterback extensions
Projecting next big quarterback contracts in the NFL
3. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson has started 49 games in the NFL. He’s won 37 of them. Regardless of how he’s perceived as a franchise quarterback, Lamar Jackson is going to get a massive contract extension from the Baltimore Ravens.
He’s his own agent, so this situation is rather interesting.
He’s also set to enter his fifth year in the league, playing on his fifth-year option.
Jackson had a down year in 2021, along with the entire Ravens team. They were ravaged by injuries, and Jackson still managed to go 7-5. He threw for 16 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
It wasn’t exactly the Lamar Jackson that the league is accustomed to seeing, so there’s reason to believe that Jackson not acting with a ton of urgency is understandable.
The Ravens made a ton of quality additions this offseason, and they are poised to field a stronger team in 2022.
If Jackson returns to his normal form, he and the Ravens will agree on a very large extension.
I don’t think he’ll approach numbers in the upper 40s, I think he’ll end up somewhere in the mid-40s.
There could be a valid concern about his durability long-term in the NFL.
He’s obviously a very talented runner and runs more than most every QB in the league. With his slimmer frame and ability to be a game-breaker with his legs, Jackson may not be able to compete into his 30s, so cashing in when he can would be a smart move.