Expected to become the franchise’s lifeline, Lamar Jackson was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with the last pick of the first round of the 2018 NFL draft. Jackson joined a historically defensive team seeking greater success. The “flock” welcomed Jackson with some suspicion of his lack of throwing ability, but most fans remained optimistic for his future. The young quarterback stepped in midway through the 2018 season in place of the injured veteran, Joe Flacco. In his first start against the Cincinnati Bengals, Lamar led the squad to a victory and earned the franchise record for the most single-game rushing yards in the quarterback position. Jackson created a pattern of impressive rushing ability which led the Baltimore Ravens to the 2018 AFC North Title. The Ravens fell in the first round of the 2018 playoffs to the LA Chargers but Lamar Jackson’s exciting performances had earned him a large fan-base. After the 2018-19 season, the Ravens chose to abandon their offense, which had been catered toward superbowl MVP, Joe Flacco. Players were drafted specifically to complement Jackson’s excellence and an offense was constructed to support the blooming super-star. Still on a rookie deal, the Ravens believed to have found a long-term leader in a first year quarterback.

Jackson’s second year was electric, but it unfortunately ended in another playoff loss. Lamar was unanimously voted most valuable player of the 2019 season, the second player to earn a unanimous MVP vote, alongside 7 time super bowl champion, Tom Brady. The next season presented fewer successes for Jackson’s Ravens. Although the postseason resulted in a painful loss against the Buffalo Bills, Lamar Jackson won his first playoff game the week prior, after throwing for 179 yards and rushing for 137 yards against the Tennessee Titans. After negotiations with the blooming star, the Ravens exercised the fifth-year option on Jackson’s rookie contract during the off-season, allowing the organization to spend less money on their rising star. The organization remained a united front in support of Lamar, reinforcing their belief in their quarterback’s longevity in Baltimore. The 2021 season was completed without Lamar Jackson after an ankle injury on December 12, 2021. The off-season gave way to more unsuccessful negotiations, where Jackson believes his leadership is worth more than the Ravens’ offer. But the Ravens maintained a front of belief in Lamar and his commitment to the organization throughout. On March 22, 2021, Deshaun Watson signed to a fully guaranteed, five year $230 million contract with the Cleveland Browns. This development ruffled quite a few feathers because of Watson’s 24 civil lawsuits filed by women with accusations of sexual harassment against him. This deal also resulted in Lamar driving his proposed requirement for his compensation up. The Ravens’ front office continued their support of Lamar while acknowledging the difficulty of the situation because of the Browns’ deal with Watson, and Jackson’s lack of an agent. Lamar Jackson eventually turned down an extension that year worth $250 million for 5 years, $133 million of it guaranteed. The following and most recent season, the Ravens finished similarly to the year before, without starting quarterback Lamar Jackson. After this past season, Lamar’s rookie contract was up and the long-awaited deal’s formation was required. Yet again, more talk resulted in a standstill between the front office and their QB. On March 7, 2023 the Ravens announced they had placed a one year non-exclusive franchise tag worth $32.416 million on Jackson, meaning he could be traded to another team. Each NFL team is allowed to place one franchise tag per year which is generally negative for players hoping for more money. The most recent development in the Lamar saga came on March 27, when he announced on Twitter he had requested a trade from his organization on March 2.

Lamar Jackson came to Baltimore wide-eyed and full of potential to develop into a Super Bowl champion quarterback. But, at the end of the day this game is a business. Players often focus on contracts instead of their team’s goals. Lamar made that contract negotiation more complicated by leading negotiations without an agent to navigate this complicated situation. Jackson is currently under a one year deal with the Ravens and Baltimore assumes he will play the season with the team unless traded elsewhere. So as #8 finishes his time in Baltimore, the Ravens hunt for a new star to bring hope and another title to the city.