Ravens quarterback, Lamar Jackson, has become the highest-paid NFL player in history after 27 months of negotiations. The athlete achieved this historic feat by representing himself. According to ESPN, the five-year deal with the Ravens is worth $260 million; making the quarterback the highest-paid NFL player, earning $52 million per year. The deal also includes $185 million in guaranteed money according to sources.
Several deals reportedly influenced Jacksom’s deal, including Deshaun Watson’s $230 million deal with the Cleveland Browns and Kyler Murray’s $189.5 million contract as part of his $230.5 million with the Cardinals.
“For the last few months, there has been a lot of he said, she said… A lot of nail-biting. A lot of head-scratching going on,” Jackson said, “but for the next five years, it’s a lot of ‘flock’ going on.”
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Jackson was first drafted by the Ravens five years ago, and promised Ravens fans that they would “get a Super Bowl out of him.” Before he arrived at the Ravens, the team missed three consecutive playoffs. However, he is credited with reviving the team and earning the second unanimous NFL MVP selection in his first full season as a starter.
Aside from setting a record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback, he is leading the NFL in touchdown passes and has the fourth-best career record of any starting quarterback.
The Ravens’ recent form has been inconsistent, however, General Manager, Eric DeCosta, says he is grateful that he finally reached an agreement with Jackson. According to him, he feels that a weight was lifted when Jackson agreed to a deal.
“We do feel that he’s the best quarterback in the NFL,” DeCosta said, “and I think this contract reflects that. I feel that way sometimes with family, things can get tough … and there was definitely some emotion.
“But in the end, we’ve been blessed to have Lamar as part of this organization for a long time. I think he feels this place is special, too. And it was business; it wasn’t personal,” he said.
