NFL insider Ian Rapaport has been discussing the latest when it comes to a deal between Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. 

The Baltimore Ravens and their franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson have for the past few months been locked in negotiations over a new contract with the 25-year-old heading into the final year of his contract.

There have been a few twists and turns when it comes to the negotiations, including Jackson being absent for some of the Ravens’ offseason workouts a few months ago, perhaps as a message to the team that he wanted the deal to be done quickly. 

However with the NFL season very soon to be upon us, with teams reporting to training camp this past weekend and into this week, if they are going to get anything done before the season starts, then they need to do so very quickly. 

More moving pieces to consider

The quarterback market went through something of a shift this past weekend as the Arizona Cardinals managed to agree to a deal with their quarterback Kyler Murray, signing him to an extension that sees him under contract until 2028 will see him get paid as much as $230.5m, with $105m of it being guaranteed. 

The two players, both impressive with their arms and feet, have put up similar numbers so far when it comes to the regular season. Jackson has amassed a total of 13,640 yards through the air and on the ground whilst Murray has put up 13,266. Their touchdown numbers are also not too far apart with Jackson having 106 total touchdowns with Murray on 90. 

But given that Jackson has achieved slightly more in this league by virtue of his MVP award in 2019, then it might have made things a little bit awkward for the Ravens as it might have bumped up Jackson’s asking price when you look at what the current market for quarterback contracts has now become.

Whas has Rapaport said?

Speaking on the Pat McAfee show, in response to a question from host Pat McAfee if Jackson would play out the whole year and 'bet on himself', Rapaport spoke about the overall situation regarding Jackson, his contract and where the two sides are right now, whilst also touching on the impact of what the Murray deal might do to the negotiations: 

So it sounds as if negotiations might not be set to continue for some time and it might be a case that we won’t know Jackson’s long-term future until after this season is finished.
It’s a risky move, but one that has paid off before, notably with the Ravens. Joe Flacco went into the final year of his contract with the Ravens in 2012, and took them all the way to Super Bowl glory, earning a 6-year deal off the back of it.