Tag: Lamar Jackson

Aug 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) rolls out to pass in the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Ravens QB Tyler Huntley has minor hamstring injury

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Baltimore Ravens backup quarterback Tyler Huntley is nursing a minor hamstring injury, NFL Network reported on Sunday.

Huntley exited in the fourth quarter of the Ravens’ 20-19 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday after completing 8 of 11 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 13 yards. Huntley began the second half in place of Josh Johnson, who got the start with starting quarterback Lamar Jackson sitting out the preseason game.

Anthony Brown relieved Huntley for the Ravens, who have won 24 consecutive preseason games.

Huntley, 25, signed a one-year, restricted free-agent tender worth $2.63 million in April.

He appeared in six games (four starts) for the Ravens in 2022, throwing for 658 yards and two touchdowns against three interceptions. He also rushed 43 times for 137 yards and a touchdown and earned the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.

Huntley is 3-5 as a starter across three seasons in Baltimore.

–Field Level Media

May 4, 2023; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson speaks during a press conference at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson misses first day of OTAs

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Baltimore Ravens quarterback and newly minted highest-paid player in NFL history Lamar Jackson missed the first day of OTAs on Monday, but he is expected to report this week.

It’s unclear why Jackson wasn’t there Monday. OTAs are voluntary. Jackson has also missed the team’s voluntary workouts.

The Ravens are implementing a new offense under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken.

Jackson signed a five-year contract worth $260 million days ahead of the NFL draft. The deal included $185 million in guaranteed money.

Jackson missed the final five games of the 2022 regular season, plus the wild-card playoff loss at Cincinnati, with a knee sprain. It was the second straight season in which his season ended with an injury. He missed the final four games in 2021 due to a ankle injury.

In 12 games last season, Jackson threw for 2,242 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also led the Ravens in rushing with 764 yards and three touchdowns.

Jackson has played in 70 games (61 starts) since the Ravens selected him with the last pick of the first round in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has completed 63.7 percent of his passes for 12,209 yards with 101 touchdowns and 38 interceptions. He has run for 4,437 yards and 24 scores.

He has a 45-16 record as a starter.

–Field Level Media

Dec 4, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Lamar Jackson agrees to record 5-year extension with Ravens

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Franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson is staying with the Baltimore Ravens on a five-year contract, agreeing to terms Thursday mere hours before the start of the NFL draft.

Financial terms were not yet released, but NFL Network reported the deal was worth $260 million. The average annual value of $52 million would make Jackson the highest-paid player in NFL history.

The deal includes $185 million in guaranteed money, CBS Sports reported.

After the Philadelphia Eagles awarded quarterback Jalen Hurts a record-setting five-year, $255 million extension on April 17, the Ravens “offered (Jackson) a deal that trumped it,” per NFL Network.

The Ravens revealed the news by posting a video message from Jackson on social media.

“You know, for the last few months, there’s been a lot of ‘he said, she said.’ A lot of nail-biting, a lot of head-scratching going on. But for the next five years, there’s a lot of flock going on,” Jackson told the camera, a reference to the team’s “Ravens Flock” nickname for Baltimore’s fan base.

The agreement ends a lengthy saga that heated up this spring when the 2019 NFL MVP revealed he’d requested a trade on March 2.

Jackson, 26, represented himself in negotiations. Talks geared toward a long-term deal were launched more than a year ago, general manager Eric DeCosta said.

Jackson missed the final five games of the 2022 regular season, plus the wild-card playoff loss at Cincinnati, with a knee sprain. He did not travel with the Ravens for the game against the Bengals, sparking speculation he was ready to move on in the offseason.

It was the second straight season in which his season ended with an injury. He missed the final four games in 2021 due to a ankle injury.

The Ravens placed the $32.41 million non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson at the deadline in early March. Under the terms of the tag, Jackson was free to talk to other teams who could have made an offer sheet; if the Ravens then chose not to match the offer sheet, they would command two first-round picks in exchange for Jackson.

Baltimore signed free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. this month and he said he hoped to catch passes from Jackson but was given no assurances that Jackson would be his teammate.

In 12 games last season, Jackson threw for 2,242 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also led the Ravens in rushing with 764 yards and three touchdowns.

Jackson has played in 70 games (61 starts) since the Ravens selected him with the last pick of the first round in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has completed 63.7 percent of his passes for 12,209 yards with 101 touchdowns and 38 interceptions. He has run for 4,437 yards and 24 scores.

He has a 45-16 record as a starter.

–Field Level Media

Jul 20, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; NFL football player Odell Beckham Jr. and partner Lauren Wood with son Zydn arrive at the Red Carpet for the 2022 ESPY at Dolby Theater. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens WR Odell Beckham Jr. hopes for pairing with Lamar Jackson

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Odell Beckham Jr. joined the Baltimore Ravens with zero assurances from quarterback Lamar Jackson that they’d be teammates.

Beckham, 30, signed his one-year contract with the Ravens on Thursday and is set to return to the NFL after sitting out last season while recovering from a torn ACL.

But Beckham doesn’t mind sharing that he’s hopeful Jackson, unsigned and in a contract standoff with the Ravens, is back with Baltimore soon.

They had dinner together after the veteran receiver agreed to a $15 million contract for the 2023 season, Beckham said, but only the “possibility” of sharing the same locker room is on the table as of Thursday.

“It’s been more from afar; we haven’t kicked it or anything like that. My favorite player growing up was Mike Vick,” Beckham said in a video interview with Ravens.com. “He gave me many flashes of it. … If he was left-handed I think we’d all see it even more. Tremendous talent, tremendous quarterback. Somebody who I look forward to having the opportunity to play for and catch passes from. Somebody I’ve admired from afar for a long time now.”

Beckham said after a workout for NFL teams last month that he’s feeling close to full strength. He’s 14 months removed from surgery and said the emotional toll of a second major knee injury and surgery was more taxing than the physical recovery.

“Now it’s just knowing there’s five months to the season, it’s nowhere hear I’ll be in September,” Beckham said.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said he hasn’t connected with Jackson since Beckham’s deal was announced.

“Lamar is in our plans,” DeCosta said. “We’re hopeful to still get a long-term deal. He’s the right player for this team.”

Beckham’s health is not a concern for the Ravens, DeCosta said, but he didn’t address the rumor mill connecting Jackson to the Indianapolis Colts and other QB-needy teams who could make the former MVP an offer at any time.

In such a scenario, the Ravens could match. If no offers come from other teams, Jackson has the option to play under the $32.416 million tag or sit out the entire season to protest the tag unless the sides come to agreement on a long-term contract by July 15.

–Field Level Media

Nov 20, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) spikes the ball after running for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens GM punts Lamar Jackson questions

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Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta punted questions about the status of franchise-tagged quarterback Lamar Jackson, who recently requested a trade in an ongoing stalemate with Baltimore that could stretch into the 2023 season.

DeCosta said he would focus on “draft questions” at a press conference Wednesday, during which media was rerouted when team public relations officials interrupted a question about Jackson to enforce the “draft only” line of questioning.

Asked if the Ravens would approach the draft differently in light of Jackson’s trade request, DeCosta said, “I don’t think we really are.”

No contract matter in the NFL currently carries as much weight or drama as Jackson’s. He serves as his own agent and used social media to clap back at critics who pointed to the number of conversations and intricate peripheral details an agent would be handling during this time for a player.

Jackson said he was offered a three-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $131 million by the Ravens, implying he’s doing just fine without a paid rep handling contract talks.

By using the non-exclusive franchise tag, the Ravens left open the possibility other teams could sign Jackson to an offer sheet. Baltimore would have the opportunity to match any offer, but no team has taken the first step to potentially pry Jackson away from the Ravens.

One player the Ravens are known to appreciate in the draft is former Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson. Later this week, DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh will host Richardson in what will be the third known meeting between the projected first-round pick and the Ravens.

Harbaugh said on March 27 at the NFL owners meetings the Ravens were committed to Jackson. He stepped back, at least partially, on his “200 percent” confidence rating that Jackson would be with the Ravens this season.

“It’s an ongoing process. I’m following it very closely. I’m looking forward to a resolution. I’m thinking about Lamar all the time, thinking about him as our quarterback. We’re building our offense around that idea,” he said in Phoenix.

Richardson is not a polished passer in the pocket but has a strong throwing arm. He also ran a 4.4 40-yard dash at 244 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine.

–Field Level Media

Jan 1, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) stands on the sideline during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Patriots not in on Lamar Jackson

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The New England Patriots are not expected to be players in the Lamar Jackson sweepstakes, despite the quarterback’s reported interest in joining the team, The Athletic reported Wednesday.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft set the rumor mill into overdrive earlier this week when he said he got a text from rapper Meek Mill about Jackson’s interest in the Patriots. Kraft said it was up to head coach Bill Belichick.

Not happening, per The Athletic.

Jackson’s current contract demands and the draft capital a team would have to give up are a bridge too far for the fiscally conservative Patriots, per the report.

Also, the Atlanta Falcons have removed themselves from pursuing Jackson. Falcons owner Arthur Blank told two different media outlets that despite their interest in Deshaun Watson last year, the timing now is different.

The Falcons named Desmond Ridder their starting QB for 2023.

“Every year is different,” Blank told USA Today. “Deshaun was a different situation. It was a different time and space. I think Lamar is a great player … but we look at our roster and our ability to continue to build our roster now and have salary cap freedom, which we’ve never had.”

Jackson has asked to be traded, but the market for him is shrinking.

On Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions all said they’re not interested in pursuing Jackson. The Washington Commanders, New York Jets and Carolina Panthers already had stated similarly.

The Jets are actively seeking to trade for Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The Seattle Seahawks re-signed Geno Smith earlier this month, with coach Pete Carroll adding the team “couldn’t afford” Jackson.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard on Monday confirmed his interest in Jackson. Colts owner Jim Irsay later in the day said Jackson’s contract demands weren’t an issue, but that a team has to guard against compromising “your future to do it.”

“It really has nothing to do with actual dollars,” Irsay said. “I mean, paying a contract like that is not a problem. I mean, it’s not a problem for me. The issue is what’s the right thing to do for the franchise in terms of what helps us win in the long run.”

Jackson took to Twitter on Tuesday to defend himself against claims that durability is an issue with him.

“I don’t remember me sitting out on my guys week 1 vs jets To week 12 vs Broncos,” he tweeted. “How come all of a sudden I sit out because of money in which I could’ve got hurt at anytime within that time frame. When we know the Super Bowl been on my mind since April 2018.”

“Let’s get real. I rather have a 100% PCL than go out there and play horrible forcing myself to put my guys in a bad situation now that’s selfish to me,” he said in a second tweet.

Jackson missed four games in 2021 and five games in 2022 with injuries. Jackson, 26, is 45-16 as the Ravens’ starter and won the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award in 2019.

–Field Level Media

Jan 1, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) stands on the sideline during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson says he requested trade

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Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson took to social media Monday morning to announce that he requested a trade from the Ravens earlier this month.

Jackson tweeted just as Ravens coach John Harbaugh sat to meet with reporters at the owners meetings in Phoenix.

“As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has (sic) not been interested in meeting my value,” Jackson wrote, in part, in a series of Twitter posts.

Harbaugh told reporters in real time that he still expects Jackson to be the team’s quarterback in 2023.

“I haven’t seen the tweet,” Harbaugh said. “It’s an ongoing process. I’m following it very closely, just like everybody else is here and looking forward to a resolution. I’m excited. Thinking about Lamar (Jackson) all the time. Thinking about him as our quarterback. We’re building our offense around that idea. I’m just looking forward to getting back to football and I’m confident that’s going to happen.”

The Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson on March 7, five days after he says he requested the trade. The sides failed to reach agreement on a new contract despite negotiations that have lasted more than a year.

Jackson has until July 17 to sign the tender, or sign a long-term deal with the club, with the latter appearing unlikely now.

Until he signs the $32.41 million tender, Jackson is free to meet with other teams and agree to a long-term deal with one of them. The Ravens, by using the franchise tag, have refusal rights and can match any offer sheet Jackson receives. If the Ravens choose not to match a contract offer, they would command two first-round picks in exchange for Jackson.

If Jackson doesn’t find a suitor and if the Ravens refuse to trade him, Jackson will be forced to play on the tender or sit out the 2023 season.

Jackson represents himself.

Jackson, 26, missed the final five games of the 2022 regular season, plus the wild-card playoff loss at Cincinnati, with a knee sprain. He did not travel with the Ravens for the game against the Bengals, sparking speculation he was ready to move on in the offseason.

In 12 games last season, Jackson threw for 2,242 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also led the Ravens in rushing with 764 yards and three touchdowns.

The 2019 league MVP, Jackson has played in 70 games (61 starts) since the Ravens selected him with the last pick of the first round in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has completed 63.7 percent of his passes for 12,209 yards with 101 touchdowns and 38 interceptions. He has run for 4,437 yards and 24 scores.

He has a 45-16 record as a starter.

–Field Level Media

Dec 4, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) reacts on the sideline in the second quarter after being sacked against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens apply $32.4M non-exclusive tag to Lamar Jackson

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Quarterback Lamar Jackson received the non-exclusive franchise tag from the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday.

Jackson and the Ravens failed in a last-ditch effort to reach a long-term contract agreement as the deadline for using the franchise designation arrived at 4 p.m. ET.

The non-exclusive tag brings multiple variables into play for either side.

If Jackson, 26, signs the tender, he’s guaranteed $32.41 million for the 2023 season, unless the two sides agree to a new contract by July 17.

Until Jackson signs, he’s open to meet with other teams and agree to terms on a long-term deal with any other team. The Ravens, by using the franchise tag, have refusal rights and can match any offer sheet Jackson receives. If the Ravens choose not to match a contract offer, they would command two first-round picks in exchange for Jackson.

Jackson is treated as a free agent meaning he can talk to teams with 2023 first-round picks starting March 15 at 4 p.m. ET.

General manager Eric DeCosta had another alternative available: the exclusive franchise tag.

The exclusive tag would cost the Ravens more — $45 million in 2023 — but risk far less. Under terms of the exclusive tag, only the Ravens can negotiate with Jackson.

DeCosta and Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said last week at the NFL Scouting Combine that Baltimore remains confident Jackson will be with the team long-term.

DeCosta said the Ravens are preparing for every possible outcome with Jackson and their other free agents.

“We’ve got four, five, or six different plans based on what happens over the next 10 days,” he said.

Harbaugh rated the chances of Jackson coming back at “200 percent” in January but didn’t sound as certain last week in Indianapolis.

“He’s my quarterback. He’s my guy. I love him,” Harbaugh said. “As a coach I’m looking forward to seeing it get done. But it’s not easy. It’s never easy. It’s the business part of it. But I’m hopeful. Really hopeful and excited. Fervently hopeful.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 4, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) stands on the field during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens EVP: Lamar Jackson talks to go until deadline, will tag if needed

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Ozzie Newsome, the Baltimore Ravens’ executive vice president of player personnel, said the team will negotiate with star quarterback Lamar Jackson up until Tuesday’s franchise tag deadline.

If those talks don’t produce a long-term extension, Jackson will be tagged.

“Today and up until about 3:30 tomorrow, a lot of energy is going to be utilized in trying to get the deal done,” Newsome said on “The Bernie Kosar Show” on Monday. “And if not, we will put the franchise tag on him.”

After extensive negotiations with the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player, the Ravens were expected to use the franchise tag on Jackson for the 2023 season. At issue is whether Baltimore would use the exclusive or the non-exclusive tag.

The exclusive franchise tag value at quarterback for 2023 is projected at $45 million, and prevents a player from talking contract with any other team.

The non-exclusive tag, with a $32.4 million salary this season, opens the door to offers from teams while maintaining refusal rights for the Ravens. If Baltimore doesn’t match an offer sheet, Jackson could be traded for two first-round picks.

Jackson, 26, reportedly turned down a five-year deal last September. It would have stretched through the 2027 season, with $133 million guaranteed at signing, per multiple reports.

Jackson has 12,209 yards with 101 passing touchdowns, and 4,437 rushing yards with 24 TDs on the ground in 70 career games since being selected in the first round of the 2018 draft.

–Field Level Media

Jan 1, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) stands on the sidelines during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Lamar Jackson wants fully guaranteed megadeal

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Quarterback Lamar Jackson wants the Baltimore Ravens to come forward with an offer similar to what the Cleveland Browns gave to Deshaun Watson last year — five years, $230 million and a fully guaranteed deal, ESPN reported Thursday.

While head coach John Harbaugh said last month the Ravens are “200 percent” committed to Jackson as their long-term quarterback, the team has yet to come up with an offer to satisfy him.

ESPN reported that Jackson rejected a five-year, $250 million offer with $133 million in guarantees last fall. Last year’s other significant quarterback contracts yielded less guaranteed money at signing. Russell Wilson received $124 million guaranteed from the Denver Broncos, while Kyler Murray got $103.3 million in Arizona.

The Ravens can use the franchise tag to continue negotiating with Jackson or while trying to work out a trade if they believe the chances of signing him are slim.

Should they use the non-exclusive tag, he would earn $32.4 million. With the exclusive tag, he would be locked in for the season at about $45 million.

With the non-exclusive franchise tag, teams that want to trade for Jackson can submit an offer sheet and a commitment to send two first-round picks to Baltimore. With the other tag, the Ravens can either keep him off limits to other teams or set the asking price.

Jackson, 26, missed the final five games of the regular season, plus the wild-card playoff loss at Cincinnati, with a knee sprain. He did not travel with the Ravens for the game at Cincinnati, sparking speculation he was ready to move on in the offseason.

The Ravens have until March 7 at 4 p.m. ET to work out a deal with Jackson or use the franchise tag to keep him from free agency.

In 12 games last season, Jackson threw for 2,242 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also led the Ravens in rushing with 764 yards and three touchdowns.

The 2019 league MVP, Jackson has played in 70 games (61 starts) since the Ravens selected him with the last pick of the first round in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has completed 63.7 percent of his passes for 12,209 yards with 101 touchdowns and 38 interceptions. He has run for 4,437 yards and 24 scores.

He has a 45-16 record as a starter.

–Field Level Media