Ravens could risk future success if Lamar Jackson does not re-sign
![OWINGS MILLS, MD - JUNE 16: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball during mandatory minicamp at Under Armour Performance Center on June 16, 2021 in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) OWINGS MILLS, MD - JUNE 16: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball during mandatory minicamp at Under Armour Performance Center on June 16, 2021 in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/689a69ebe62203dcc1af5ed90afddec959401534d5fc0e91d8dc0784d54ac3b4.jpg)
The anticipation for the upcoming season for Ravens fans is at an all-time high. While players prepare to give their all this season, could Lamar Jackson be preparing to audition for another team?
NFL enthusiasts are excited to see players and coaches report to mandatory minicamps. While athletes get reacquainted with terminology and schemes, analysts evaluate talent.
A busy offseason has caused expectations to rise for athletes with responsibilities to uphold. For quarterbacks who showed promise in previous years, the upcoming slate of games will be an audition for their franchises.
After a disappointing season in 2021, Lamar Jackson is ready to show his worth.
Lamar Jackson must prove to Ravens he is worth more than Patrick Mahomes
Before mobile quarterbacks innovated the modern NFL offense, teams relied on strong-armed passers to move their offense downfield. Quarterbacks like Joe Flacco and Trent Dilfer have helped the Ravens experience success – but not like their newest field general.
Lamar Jackson’s impact in Baltimore has changed the team’s culture. When the team drafted the former Heisman Trophy winner, they were confident it would be the right move.
Running an offense behind a dual-threat quarterback has helped the Ravens become one of the most explosive teams in football.
In 2019, Jackson demonstrated how dominant he is with the ball in his hands. When the season was over, Baltimore’s quarterback accounted for more than three-thousand yards passing and a 6:1 touchdown to interception ratio.
Extending plays with his legs has helped the former Louisville Cardinal during his professional career. His 3,673 career yards rushing has added another dimension to the offense.
Delivering an accurate ball to receivers has been an issue for Jackson over the last two seasons. After an impressive sophomore season, Lamar has struggled to pass the football.
His interception totals have increased since joining the league and his completion percentage has decreased since 2019.
This Lamar Jackson to Rashod Bateman connection 🔥 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4LRx3BDI6i
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) June 15, 2022
Ravens need to resign Jackson before it’s too late
Contract negotiations will improve Jackson’s performance in the upcoming season. His eligibility for a contract extension has caused the Ravens to evaluate how valuable their franchise player is.
At the time, the highest average per year deal for a gunslinger was $45 million. The highest average now is $50 million. If the price is too steep for the Ravens franchise, Jackson must use this season to showcase his skills, in case other teams are willing to pay.
Quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes have made it harder for franchisees to save a dollar when securing a quarterback – but can franchises win without them?
As the league continues to show that passing the ball is the way to score touchdowns, quarterbacks will always be a commodity.
If the Ravens have plans of competing in the playoffs in the future, resigning Lamar Jackson is a must- whatever the price may be.