Does Lamar Jackson Deserve to be a Top 5 Highest Paid QB in the NFL?
Written by Vir Rawal
4/9/23
The Baltimore Ravens drafted Lamar Jackson in the 2018 NFL draft as the 32nd overall pick. Since then Jackson has solidified his status as a top quarterback in the NFL, winning a league MVP in the 2019 season and leading the Ravens to various playoff runs. At the end of the 2022 season, Jackson’s contract expired and the Ravens elected to use their franchise tag on him. This tag forces any team wanting to trade for Lamar to give up 2 first-round picks. Reportedly, the Ravens have offered Jackson a 3 year fully guaranteed 133 million dollar contract. Jackson has publicly stated that he does not find this offer suitable, and since then there has been uncertainty about his future. It has been widely reported that he is seeking 5 years with 230 million guaranteed, however, it is unclear if any teams are willing to pay that sum.
When looking at the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL currently, Aaron Rodgers tops the list at $50.3 Million dollars a year for 3 years, followed by Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray, and Deshaun Watson. Jackson is reportedly seeking the same deal as Deshaun Watson who earns $46 Million a year. When comparing Jackson as a passer to other QBs in the NFL, it is clear that his production and efficiency are very similar to the players aforementioned.
After considering his passing production, it’s important to note that his rushing capacity is unrivaled currently by any QB in the NFL. In 12 games Lamar rushed for 764 yards and 3 touchdowns. It’s also important to note that the Ravens have had issues with receivers in the past few years, and Jackson did not have a clear wide receiver 1 for the past seasons. One reason that teams may be reluctant to give Jackson a fully guaranteed contract is because of injury concerns, Jackson has suffered 2 season-ending injuries at the end of both the 2021 and 2022 seasons. These injuries do not suggest a pattern and are more likely outliers and Jackson still has a very low chance of injury in the 2023 season. (estimated to be around 9 percent)
Overall, it's clear that Lamar Jackson has the efficiency and production of a top NFL Quarterback and therefore should be compensated as such. Whether he and the Ravens reach an agreement this season or he explores his options with other teams is unclear, however, based on statistics Jackson undeniably deserves a contract that he finds suitable.
