With the Denver Broncos and Russell Wilson agreeing to a five-year, $245 million contract on Thursday, another massive quarterback extension entered the record books. This brings even more attention to Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Wilson’s new agreement commits him to the Broncos through the 2028 season, considering the two seasons left on his previous deal with the Seattle Seahawks. It also contains $165 million in guaranteed money.
Jackson and the Ravens have been in limbo for most of the offseason as other quarterbacks throughout the league signed new deals. His asking price probably rises slightly with each new extension to keep up with the escalating QB contracts. Here are a few key metrics from Spotrac that the 2019 NFL MVP can use to inform his conversations with Baltimore.
Total Contract Value
- Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs): $450 million over ten years
- Josh Allen (Bills): $258 million over six years
- Russell Wilson (Broncos): $245 million over five years
- Kyler Murray (Cardinals): $230.5 million over five years
- Deshaun Watson (Browns): $230 million over five years
Average Contract Value
- Aaron Rodgers (Packers): $50.3 million
- Russell Wilson (Broncos): $49 million
- Kyler Murray (Cardinals): $46.1 million
- Deshaun Watson (Browns): $46 million
- Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs): $45 million
Guaranteed Money
- Deshaun Watson (Browns): $230 million
- Kyler Murray (Cardinals): $189.5 million
- Russell Wilson (Broncos): $165 million
- Aaron Rodgers (Packers): $150.8 million
- Josh Allen (Bills): $150 million
Before the Ravens’ regular season opener on September 11, Jackson said he had given the front staff a deadline to complete an agreement. This gave them less than two weeks to accomplish it. Jackson assured reporters that the season would go well for us on August 13. John Harbaugh, the head coach of Baltimore, was evasive when asked for a timetable.
The business aspect of it is just that, according to Harbaugh. “I have every faith that it will be completed when it is. It would help if you didn’t try to hasten it. Neither side, in my opinion, wants to go quickly.” The more arduous negotiations may involve guaranteed money, but Jackson is likely considering a five-year extension valued between $230 million and $245 million.
According to Outkick’s Jason Cole story last month, Jackson wants a fully guaranteed contract more significant than the one the Browns offered Watson. According to Joel Corry of CBS Sports, Wilson’s new agreement reduces the likelihood of that kind of extension: It’s conceivable but not impossible. Watson would come in second on that list behind Jackson, but the Ravens are likely to demand more than the $165 million Wilson was awarded on Thursday. Jackson might yet make a push for that $190 million guaranteed.
Before Baltimore travels to MetLife Stadium to play the New York Jets to kick off the regular season, the two teams have ten days to close that difference.
Stay tuned for more updates at Lee Daily.
