Lamar Jackson not big-timing Ravens, even after new contract
Lamar Jackson just isn’t skipping out on the chance to develop along with his Baltimore Ravens teammates.
After an extended standoff, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens agreed to a five-year, $260 million contract earlier this month. The historic deal made Jackson the highest-paid participant in NFL historical past and cemented his future with the staff that drafted him.
It will’ve been simple for Jackson, having secured generational wealth for his household, to take a step again and loosen up this summer season. However that’s not how the previous MVP is wired.
Below a brand new offensive coordinator in Todd Monken, the Ravens will introduce vital modifications to their offense subsequent season. Jackson and his teammates will spend the summer season getting acquainted with the brand new system.
Lamar Jackson is exhibiting as much as work early for the Baltimore Ravens
Jackson missed the primary day of OTAs, however he confirmed as much as the staff facility on Tuesday and doesn’t plan on lacking any extra classes, according to Josh Alper of NBC Sports. Jackson emphasised to reporters the significance of getting comfy with the modifications.
“New offense. Needed to get that down pat earlier than the season rolls in as a result of the season’s getting there. We’ve acquired a pair months left, however nonetheless simply wished to study the brand new offense and be with my guys.”
Noteworthy are the unfamiliar faces Jackson may have on offense: notably in his receiving corps with Odell Beckham Jr. and first-round choose Zay Flowers. The Ravens’ new offense is predicted to skew extra closely towards the passing sport, which suggests Jackson will get loads of alternatives to attach along with his soon-to-be favourite downfield targets.
It’s clear the 26-year-old is excited by the prospect of relying extra on his arm. Jackson confronted years of criticism, each pre-draft and post-draft, about his affinity for operating. There’s little doubt Jackson will nonetheless use his legs for Baltimore — his means to improvise and scramble is what makes him so particular — however Jackson will lastly get the prospect to silence those that doubt his accuracy and precision as a pocket passer.
The Ravens are constructed to win. Jackson was gained the person accolades; now he has to succeed in the mountaintop. That would be the objective in 2023, and Jackson is proving already that he’s keen to place within the work.