Lamar Jackson Says He Doesn't Want to Leave Ravens amid Contract Negotiation Rumors

Lamar Jackson reaffirmed his commitment to the Baltimore Ravens with a tweet Wednesday amid his contract discussions with the team.

Jackson is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and is eligible for an extension this offseason. The quarterback, who is representing himself in negotiations, seemingly hasn't been in a rush to complete a deal, however:

It has fueled speculation about Jackson's future with the team, but he clarified that he plans to stay with the organization that drafted him in 2018.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh recently said he is "confident" Jackson will remain with the team.

Owner Steve Bisciotti indicated the circumstances have been "unique as hell" in terms of the quarterback's patient approach to negotiations and his decision to eschew an agent.

"Everybody expects you to say, 'I've got to get mine now,'" Bisciotti told reporters. "The kid is so obsessed with winning a Super Bowl that I think, deep down, he doesn’t think he's worthy. I think he wants that to say, 'Now, I deserve to be on top.' People can speculate any way they want. I don't think he is turned on by money that much and he knows it's coming one way or the other."

There is certainly money to be made for a 25-year-old who has already won one MVP award. Jackson has two Pro Bowl selections in four years and has proved to be one of the most dynamic players in the NFL with 3,673 career rushing yards.

Deshaun Watson helped reset the market with his fully guaranteed $230 million deal with the Cleveland Browns, while six players are now averaging at least $40 million per year, according to Spotrac. 

Jackson's fifth-year option on his rookie deal will pay him $23 million in 2022, which ranks 13th among quarterbacks in total cash.

A new deal would likely represent a significant raise in annual salary, putting him in line with the top players in the NFL.

Another option for Jackson is to finish the contract and play the next two years on the franchise tag, which would start at about $31.5 million in 2023, per Over The Cap.

The slow negotiation process allows him to keep his options open. What's clear is he's not looking to force his way out of Baltimore.