Some readers argue that Lamar Jackson’s rumored $260 million contract with the Ravens was a bad idea | READER COMMENTARY
A HEINOUS MISTAKE! With an unjustified reported “$260 million [contract], including $185 million guaranteed,” the Ravens gave in to Lamar Jackson (one victory; three losses in the postseason) (“Lamar Jackson, Ravens agree to 5-year deal, ending difficult standoff with their franchise player,” April 27). That deal, which is reminiscent of the Orioles’ disastrous $161 million deal with Chris Davis, including $42 million deferred (“Chris Davis, Orioles agree to 7-year, $161 million deal,” Jan. 16), is something general manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh will come to regret. In August 2021, Davis’s career came to an abrupt end due to injuries. With a large portion of the $185 million still to be paid, is running quarterback Jackson likely to play out his five-year contract or, like Davis, retire early due to injuries?
Jackson won’t win a Super Bowl with the Ravens, even if he plays out the remainder of his five-year contract. Why? since he passes the ball inaccurately. He often overlooks receivers who are in a prime position to score touchdowns. He rarely catches receivers off guard, which reduces or eliminates yards gained after the catch. The receiver frequently needs to stop and turn toward Jackson before Jackson releases the pass, which reduces the likelihood of a completion. Jackson is unable to throw to a spot before the receiver arrives to increase the chances of a completion.
The main reason why the Ravens receivers in 2022 got a bad reputation was because of Jackson’s poor passing performance, not because they are bad players. Jackson’s accuracy is not expected to be greatly improved by the addition of Odell Beckman Jr. and Zay Flowers (“‘Ravens doing Ravens things again’: Baltimore earns high draft grades after pick of WR Zay Flowers,” April 28). To win a Super Bowl in the modern NFL, a team needs an accurate passer regardless of how strong their running game is. Lamar Jackson has consistently demonstrated that he is not that guy.
In 2018, it seemed like a brilliant move for the Ravens to select Lamar Jackson, a running quarterback with limited arm strength. Jackson’s contract was recently extended by the team for an additional five years at a cost of $260 million, further compounding their error. Unless you want the Ravens to remain mediocre for five more years, there is nothing to celebrate.
The Ravens and general manager Eric DeCosta have done everything they can to support Jackson, probably more than they would for any other player. For what purpose? Although quarterbacks are typically compensated based on their prior performance, Lamar received a sizable salary for something he hasn’t shown he can do: lead us far into the postseason. Ravens management is not known for paying a player $260 million after he has failed for five years.
The errors made during the DeCosta era will be regretted by both the team and the supporters. The Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts earned his large contract after proving himself in the Super Bowl. What has Jackson accomplished to earn such a large contract?
— Girdletree, Dudley Thompson
Jackson’s contract amount conveys a bad message about society.
Is there anyone else who finds Lamar Jackson’s new contract shocking? I’ll admit that I don’t know much about the football industry, but when someone can make megamillions just by tossing a ball, something is seriously wrong. If this isn’t considered wildly exaggerated, what does that say about the values and society it belongs to? With all his millions, what has Mr. Jackson accomplished for the common good? How much cash does
