Lamar Jackson reports to Ravens camp with no new contract

After months of speculation as to whether Lamar Jackson would attend Ravens training camp amid stalled contract talks, the star quarterback silenced the rumors by being one of the first players to arrive.

Jackson reported to the Ravens’ facility in Owings Mills, Md., Thursday morning, as seen in a Twitter clip posted by the team. His appearance comes five days before fellow veteran players are due to arrive.

The 2019 NFL MVP is currently in the fifth and final year of his rookie contract, which has become a touchy subject for him and the Ravens. Jackson was notably absent from Baltimore’s voluntary workouts earlier this offseason, though he claimed his non-attendance had nothing to do with ongoing contract discussions. 

Jackson later appeared at mandatory minicamp in June, where he asserted that he’s held positive talks with general manager Eric DeCosta and “expects” to be a Raven for life. Nonetheless, the 25-year-old did not rule out the possibility of holding out from training camp or Week 1 without a contract extension.

“It’s part of the conversation,” Jackson said.

It seems Jackson has now put at least part of that conversation to rest.

Jackson is set to make $23 million guaranteed this season after the Ravens chose to pick up his fifth-year option last April. Based on his market value – which factors in elements such as age, contract and statistical production – Spotrac predicts the former first-round pick will garner a five year, $215 million contract that boasts an annual $43.1 million salary.

This deal could grow even more after Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals agreed to a five-year contract extension worth a whopping $230.5 million Thursday afternoon. Murray’s agreement includes $160 million guaranteed and places him second only behind Aaron Rodgers for highest average annual quarterback salary at $46.1 million. 

For now, Jackson can only hope and wait for an extension of that magnitude. The Ravens signal-caller threw for 2,882 yards and 16 touchdowns en route to a Pro Bowl selection last season.