28 March 2023 , 17:15
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Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh admitted he has not communicated with Lamar Jackson amid the dynamic quarterback requesting a trade from the AFC North team earlier this month.
On Monday, Jackson - whose future has been one of the biggest storylines across the offseason - announced he had requested a trade from the Ravens earlier this month on 2 March. Baltimore placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on the 26-year-old five days later, allowing teams to negotiate with Jackson while he and the Ravens have until 17 July to agree a multi-year extension.
Jackson’s trade request became the dominant topic at this week’s NFL owners’ meetings in Arizona, with the former MVP releasing the bombshell on social media as Harbaugh was addressing reporters. The coach did his best to downplay the news, insisting he ‘loves’ the quarterback and anticipates he will lead the Ravens 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 all the time. Thinking about him as our quarterback.
“We're building our offence. around that idea. I'm just looking forward to getting back to football and I'm confident that's going to happen.”
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Later on in the day, Harbaugh was asked if he has reached out to Jackson following the tweet. The 60-year-old said: “No, you know, it's not that time right now. It's kind of contract time. I don't think it's kind of a time as a coach I need to or he wants me to. I think he just wants to focus on this part of it. I've left it open. If he needs me, I'm here for him.
Lamar Jackson requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens on Monday (Getty Images)“I know one thing: If he's lining up there in the purple and black, he's gonna be all in. And I'm gonna be all in with him. So, let's just see what happens.”
Harbaugh - a Super Bowl champion with the Ravens - suggested Baltimore have prepared for the scenario that Jackson leaves the franchise, adding: “You've got to plan for all contingencies for sure, but I'm pretty fired up about Lamar Jackson. Lamar Jackson is a great player.”
The Ravens and Jackson have been locked in negotiations over a new long-term contract for over two years. The quarterback is one of the NFL’s most exciting players and certainly deserves a lucrative deal after winning the MVP award back in 2019 - becoming the second unanimous winner of the coveted award after New England Patriots icon Tom Brady - and he simply wants to secure a lucrative long-term deal after he played for just $1.77million in 2021 and $23.016m last season.