How Past Quarterback Negotiations Affect Lamar Jackson's Future Deal
Typically, in the NFL, when a superstar quarterback signs a new deal, it resets the benchmarks for future contracts until the next deal is signed. However, for Lamar Jackson, the situation is more complex. He is looking to the past deals of Aaron Rodgers and Deshaun Watson as indicative of his market value. Although these deals set a precedent, Jackson himself acknowledges that he wants to step up to the next level.
The Nervousness in the Market
However, Jackson's contract negotiations are hindered by his own playing style. His high-contact approach to the game naturally introduces a level of risk, and this is why teams, including the Ravens, are apprehensive about a hefty guaranteed contract. There's a consensus among owners that a guaranteed contract for Jackson could be too risky, leading to reluctance in signing a major deal.
Achieving Fairness in Contracts
The current negotiation scenario is a mix of cautiousness and a collective mindset among teams. While it may not be explicit collusion, the results are similar. It seems that Lamar Jackson is not seeing the same level of compensation as other quarterbacks with comparable records. This situation is seen as unfair, but fairness is often a subjective concept in the NFL.
The Evolution of Contract Trends
The trend in NFL quarterback contracts has historically shown an increase in the value of these deals. This is rooted in supply and demand dynamics, with starting quarterbacks being in high demand. Jackson fits this profile, especially given his young age and the MVP moniker he held in the past. Other young quarterbacks, like Kyler Murray and Dak Prescott, have recently signed deals, but these do not necessarily impact Jackson's negotiations.
The Impact of Deshaun Watson’s Deal
This year's biggest hurdle for Jackson, though, is the large, fully guaranteed contract that the Houston Texans provided to Deshaun Watson last year. This deal has skewed the market and slowed negotiations for other quarterbacks, including Jackson. Despite winning the same number of playoff games, Watson's deal has set a new standard that Jackson must complicate to receive a comparative deal.
Conclusion
The negotiations for Lamar Jackson's next contract are largely influenced by past deals, particularly those of Aaron Rodgers and Deshaun Watson. While the market trends favor Jackson, the recent guarantees for other quarterbacks, notably Watson, have created a challenging environment for Jackson's contract negotiations.