Stephen A. Smith reveals a compelling argument as to why the Ravens shouldn't give Lamar Jackson a fully guaranteed contract.
The Baltimore Ravens are facing a crucial decision regarding the future of their quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Many sources suggest that Jackson is looking for a contract that is fully guaranteed, similar to the one Deshaun Watson received from the Browns after his trade from the Houston Texans.
However, not everyone agrees that he deserves such a contract. Despite being the NFL MVP in 2019, Jackson's injury history and unavailability on the field in the past season, as well as his lack of success in playoff games, have led ESPN's Stephen A. Smith to argue against rewarding him with a fully guaranteed contract.
Smith emphasized the importance of availability and reliability in a player, stating that "those are two things that you haven't been over the last couple of seasons. I have to count that against you."
Baltimore is expected to use the franchise tag on Jackson before the March 7 deadline, with two options available. The team could offer Jackson the non-exclusive franchise tag, which is cheaper at $32.4 million but would allow other teams to sign him at the cost of two first-round picks. Alternatively, they could give him the more expensive exclusive tag, which is worth around $45 million.
According to ESPN, the Ravens' previous best offer was a five-year contract worth over $250 million, with $133 million guaranteed.
| POLL | ||
4 MARS | 80 ANSWERS Stephen A. Smith reveals a compelling argument as to why the Ravens shouldn't give Lamar Jackson a fully guaranteed contract. Should NFL contract be fully guaranteed? | ||
| Yes | 35 | 43.8 % |
| No | 45 | 56.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
