28 April 2023 , 15:40
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Lamar Jackson has finally agreed terms on a new contract with the Baltimore Ravens, and NFL legend Tom Brady congratulated the quarterback on his record-breaking deal.
Jalen Hurts became the highest-paid player of all-time in the NFL for a matter of days, as after months of negotiations the Ravens decided to trump their offer with Jackson. The Ravens star rejected a large offer last year, and even handed in a trade request on March 2 after being hit with the non-exclusive franchise tag.
But the Ravens and Jackson have their happy ending after all, agreeing on a five-year $260million contract, which included $185m in guarantees. Jackson is delighted to be staying in Baltimore, and Brady reached out to the Ravens star shortly after the news broke.
Jackson's persistence paid off - quite literally - as he felt he was worth a lot more than what the Ravens initially offered him last year. The Ravens offered Jackson a $205m deal last year, but subsequent contracts that have followed around the league forced them to table a statement deal.
The 26-year-old is one of the best quarterbacks around, although injuries have hampered his progress in the last two seasons. But Jackson will now focus on getting the Ravens to the Super Bowl, and the franchise have signed Odell Beckham Jr on a one-year deal to help their ambitions.
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Brady is clearly confident that Jackson and the Ravens can get there, making a positive prediction as he congratulated the quarterback after signing a record-deal. "Congrats @Lj_era8, big things ahead," Brady wrote on Twitter.
The Ravens had until July to re-sign Jackson, or the quarterback would receive roughly $34m for the season ahead in line with his franchise tag. But they've got it done early, and even added some extra firepower to the Ravens offence following the first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Jackson will already have Beckham Jr to target next season, but the Ravens used their No.22 pick to select wide receiver Zay Flowers. The Boston College star was delighted when being selected, and kept it brief when being interviewed as he said: "Lets get to work."
It was rumoured that the Ravens could trade for Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins, after Jackson requested his signing along with Beckham Jr. They gave him the latter, but have added a bright young talent instead who's ready to breakout in his rookie year.