Why Lamar Jackson Deserves $250 Million From The Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have offered their star QB Lamar Jackson a $250 million contract extension, but he's turned it down. Is he crazy? No, he's being smart and letting the team know they don't want to lose him - or they better cough up some more cash! Here's why Lamar Jackson deserves $250 million from the Baltimore Ravens...

Lamar Jackson Deserves Every Penny of His $250 Million Contract

The Baltimore Ravens have never been shy about taking risks on quarterback prospects in the NFL Draft, and this year was no different. General manager Ozzie Newsome traded up to select Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson with the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, despite having starter Joe Flacco under contract through 2020. Some fans were disappointed that Baltimore was taking another quarterback instead of bolstering other holes on the roster, but once Jackson takes the field, he’ll earn his $250 million contract—and then some. Here’s why Lamar Jackson deserves every penny of his $250 million contract.

Remember the Curse

Even a cursory glance at the NFL salary rankings should be enough to make clear just how important it is for teams to allocate their resources intelligently. For example, earlier this year Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount scored a contract worth $3 million for one season. Compare that with the contract extension offer coming from his current team: Six years, and up to $18 million in incentives.

What Does He Have to Prove?

In the end, it comes down to what Lamar Jackson has done in his first year as a starter. Yes, he's only played 12 games so far and yes, they've all been in the AFC North where defenses haven't been as good as other parts of the league. But you know what?

Why Is This Deal So Critical?

The Baltimore Ravens are in the position to win now and for the future, given that they can afford it. That is what this deal does. Lamar Jackson was a complete game changer when he took over for Joe Flacco on Sunday Night Football in week 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers, throwing for two touchdowns and one rushing touchdown with 307 passing yards and 53 rushing yards against a Chargers defense that gave up 479 total yards to Josh Allen.

Will Other Teams Try To Steal Him?

It's highly unlikely that another team will try to steal Lamar and make him the centerpiece of their franchise. That's because in the NFL, you can't pay a player on your own roster for more than one year without re-doing his contract. So if you want to compete with Lamar, you need to not only match his salary, but also keep him locked into a longer deal as well.

The Ravens Need More Than Just Good QB Play

The Baltimore Ravens need more than just good quarterback play to survive in today's NFL. It's not enough anymore. They need a superstar and Lamar Jackson is just that type of player. That is why he deserves every penny of his $250 million contract.

He Needs Great Coaching and Guidance, Too

As fans, we can see his talent and potential. As coaches, we need to see his work ethic and commitment to improvement. When he comes into the building every day with a burning desire to get better and learn something new, that's when you can unlock his true value for an organization.

A player like this deserves more than just a contract-he deserves every resource at your disposal.

Be a Leader off the Field, too!

That's why I'm so disappointed in the Baltimore Ravens for not paying Lamar Jackson his worth. The Ravens have already invested heavily in him, but they know the team isn't going to go far without a better passing game and passer than Joe Flacco. Instead of extending Jackson's contract this season, the Ravens gave Flacco $94 million over three years.

Finally, What Should We Expect from Jackson?

Jackson is an electrifying talent and one of the most promising prospects to come out in years. As his career develops, he could well cement himself as one of the greatest playmakers in NFL history. Jackson is a once-in-a-generation player with historic potential and deserves every penny that he'll get from his new contract.