Kyler Murray’s deal helps Lamar Jackson’s case to become highest paid QB
Kyler Murray’s massive contract helped Lamar Jackson’s case for being the next up as the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback.
Kyler Murray was the latest NFL quarterback to ink a deal. After inking a $230.1 million — five-year contract for a record $46.1 million a year.
And that’s good news for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. The former first-round pick played the waiting game even after the Browns signed Deshaun Watson to a historic deal.
Despite NFL media advice, Jackson didn’t sign a deal. Murray’s record-breaking deal made the Ravens signal-caller a lot of money. Jackson has something Murray doesn’t: the history to back up his claim of being the league’s highest-paid quarterback.
Murray’s big money contract was the headline for all of sports media. It wasn’t just the money, but the laughable addendum in his contract that mandates he watch film for at least four hours a week.
The addendum alludes to Murray’s questionable work ethic. For starters, Jackson doesn’t have those same questions. He has been receiving praise for his work ethic since his rookie season.
The Cardinals paid Murray regardless of his work ethic, so why shouldn’t the Ravens when Jackson can take that to the negotiation table to help his case? Or he could bring some hardware to the table, something else Murray doesn’t have.
That hardware came in Jackson’s second season, (first time as a full-time starter) when he set the league on fire. There were questions about his arm, yet he threw for 36 touchdowns to just nine interceptions.
He also rushed for an NFL record of 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns — leading his team to the playoffs. Not only did Jackson lead the Ravens to the playoffs, but he won a playoff game.
Neither Murray nor Watson can claim that. Murray and Watson both had DeAndre Hopkins at the wide receiver position to help them transition early in their career.
The Ravens have failed to get Jackson at top wideout. Still, he was able to make the plays to help his team win a playoff game.
Jackson may be okay with playing on the franchise tag like Kirk Cousins. However, he should walk into the office and demand a contract similar to Murray’s and Watson where he gets his 230+ million upfront.
Training camp started, but Josh Allen didn’t sign his deal until after the first week of training camp. So, we still have time before Lamar Jackson signs a deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
For a while, people thought Jackson playing the waiting game would hinder his chances on a massive deal. Instead, he set himself up for a historic payday by being patient.
Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow are up next, maybe they should take a page out of Lamar Jackson’s playbook.