Stephen A. Smith expressed his opinion that the Baltimore Ravens’ offer of $133 million in guaranteed money to Lamar Jackson is insufficient, given the high guaranteed salaries of other quarterbacks like Deshawn Watson, Kyler Murray, and Russell Wilson.
On Tuesday, Stephen A called it “criminal” and insulting to Jackson.
“I want to State this for the record there is no excuse for the Baltimore Ravens, knowing that a Deshawn Watson has 230 million guaranteed, that a Kyler Murray has 189 million guaranteed, that a Russell Wilson has 165 million guaranteed, there is no excuse for the Baltimore Ravens to offer Lamar Jackson 133 million in guaranteed [money],” Smith said. “That is Criminal. They have no business doing that. That’s incredibly insulting and I don’t blame him for feeling insulted.”
However, he also thinks that Jackson’s recent injury history and lack of reliability make it inappropriate to offer him a fully guaranteed deal.
The Baltimore Ravens to Lamar Jackson rn: pic.twitter.com/3WmyUjKIk9
— Meme God (@SusoStoney) February 14, 2023
“However, I would not give him a fully guaranteed deal either. He’s missed the last five games of the last two seasons all right the best ability is availability but also reliability he misses on those two categories availability and reliability.” Stephen A finished “that in and of itself compromises the ability for you to walk around with your chest stuck out talking about you deserve fully guaranteed dollars.”
Lamar Jackson was drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft and has since become one of the league’s most exciting and dynamic players. Jackson has won numerous accolades, including the NFL MVP award in 2019 and has led the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances.
Rumors are that the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson have not made significant progress towards a new contract. Although both parties have expressed interest in continuing their relationship, there are disagreements over the structure and value of a potential new deal.
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"Lamar Jackson shouldn't step foot on a football field until he has a long-term contract done. And if the long-term contract shouldn't get done, he shouldn't play for the Baltimore Ravens this year."
—@mspears96 pic.twitter.com/LHQphLV5en
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 21, 2023
This throw by Lamar Jackson was absolutely perfect oh my god pic.twitter.com/Agk5ZHjjFh
— BinancePump (@JulianMarjory7) February 14, 2023
#Ravens QB Lamar Jackson’s IG story
😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/TYnCjDh0fc
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) February 21, 2023