NFL Rumors: Lamar Jackson 'Not in Any Hurry' to Sign New Ravens Contract

Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson is content to wait as he enters the final year of his contract, according to ESPN's Kimberley Martin.

Martin said Wednesday on Get Up that Jackson is "not in any hurry," and discussions over a long-term extension are "in Lamar's hands."

Jackson is a two-time Pro Bowler and the 2019 league MVP, but his value took a slight hit in 2021.

He threw for 2,882 yards, 16 touchdowns and 13 interceptions and ran for 767 yards and two touchdowns. The Ravens, meanwhile, went 8-9 and missed the playoffs as they couldn't cope with numerous injuries.

That provides Jackson with one reason to wait before he agrees to a new contract.

The 25-year-old already stands to make a lot money, but imagine how much leverage he'll have over Baltimore if he has a year comparable to his MVP year or even 2020, when he threw for 2,757 yards and 26 touchdowns and ran for 1,005 yards and seven TDs.

Any team success the Ravens enjoy in 2022 will bolster Jackson's value further. Joe Flacco's six-year, $120.6 million extension in 2013 wouldn't have happened without Baltimore winning Super Bowl XLVII and him winning the game's MVP award.

Because of his playing style, Jackson leaves himself more susceptible to injury than a traditional pocket passer. Some might argue that's a strong enough incentive to get long-term financial security now.

Robert Griffin III is certainly a cautionary tale in that regard since his knee injury derailed his career and prevented him from ever earning the kind of payday that awaits elite quarterbacks.

Griffin didn't have Jackson's resume, though.

Dak Prescott might be a more helpful guide considering he signed a four-year, $160 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys despite having missed most of the 2020 season because of a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle.

Even under the worst-case scenario, Jackson probably winds up getting the franchise tag from the Ravens for 2023, at which point he'd have another year to build his stock back up.

The benefits of waiting to re-sign with Baltimore arguably outweigh rushing to get something done before the 2022 season kicks off.