Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson may regret turning down his huge $250million (£208.5m) contract extension, with the Ravens struggling recently.
Jackson rejected a five-year $250m (£208.5m) deal with the Ravens, that would have seen him make a guaranteed $133m (£111m). Jackson clearly feels as though he is worth more than what the franchise are offering, which is somewhat justifiable when factoring in the amount DeShaun Watson was given when signing with the Cleveland Browns.
There's no doubting that Jackson is one of the best in the league, and at the age of just 25 he is still very much one for the future. But members of ESPN's Get Up show believe that some poor performances this season could well end up costing himself money, with some faith being lost in the quarterback.
The Ravens are first in the AFC North, joint with the Cincinnati Bengals who also share a 7-4 record. Jackson was offered considerably more than division rival and Super Bowl runner-up Joe Burrow is currently on, but the amount the Cleveland Browns forked out for Watson may have unsettled Jackson.
Despite not playing since 2020, and being suspended for off the field reasons, Watson was handed a fully guaranteed, five-year $230m (£191m) deal in March. Jackson has been in discussions with the Ravens for close to two years, but this may have played a part in his rejection.
But members of the Get Up panel think that the Ravens have been poor offensively in the fourth quarter of games this season, a big red flag for sides looking to pour money into a quarterback. They've suggested that Jackson's rejection could hurt him down the line, if he can't justify a higher salary.
"The offense has only scored 25 points in four losses in the fourth quarter," Chris Canty ranted. "The offense that leads the league in turnovers in the fourth quarter with eight, five of those have come in those four losses.
"The offense has to be better, and they've had ten fourth quarter drives in those four losses, and they've only scored touchdowns on three of them. They have to be better closing out games.
"We know their defence has to be better, but their offense has to do a better job in closing out games, and managing games when protecting their lead.," he added. The analysis appeared to be aimed at Jackson's field management in crucial situations, something that is a key factor when big contracts are discussed.
And Canty's co-host was inclined to agree, even though their schedule is favourable until the end of the regular season. "Look at their schedule, thankfully for them they're going to win at least five more games," Tim Hasselbeck added. "Even with how poorly they've played. But when they face a good team in the post season, they'll get run off the field."
Despite some of the criticism, the Ravens are still in the conversation as a potential Super Bowl team, especially if Jackson and Mark Andrews can tighten things up on drives in the fourth quarter. And his contract stand-off continues, as Jackson waits to see if their offer is improved, or one comes in from elsewhere.
