ESPN LEAK? Lamar Jackson's 'Camp' Apparently Spoke to Stephen A. Smith Regarding Ravens 'Lowball' Offer

On Friday, ESPN host Stephen A. Smith spoke on First Take regarding Jackson and the Ravens' negotiations. Smith claims that Jackson's people reached out to him with some specific information.

The Baltimore Ravens have been pretty quiet about their very public negotiations with free-agent quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson, on the other hand, has not.

On Friday, ESPN host Stephen A. Smith spoke on First Take regarding Jackson and the Ravens' negotiations. Smith claims that Jackson's people reached out to him with some specific information.

Smith said on the air, that Jackson's camp claims that Lamar never demanded a fully-guaranteed contract. That goes against everything else that's been reported by league insiders claiming Jackson wants something structured like the contract of Browns' quarterback Deshaun Watson. That's five years, fully guaranteed.

Smith also said Jackson's camp told him the Ravens' best offer before the 2022 season was $133 million fully guaranteed. If that's the case, it seems like a lowball offer considering other recent quarterback contracts.

Watson's contract with Cleveland includes $230 million fully guaranteed, Kyler Murray's deal with Arizona includes $189 million fully guaranteed, and Russell Wilson's most recent contract with Denver includes $165 million fully guaranteed.

If that $133 million number is accurate, there's no wonder the sides are so far apart in negotiations.

Smith concluded by addressing the Baltimore Ravens organization directly: “Did you or did you not lowball this man with an offer of 133 million guaranteed? Because that is a lowball offer. If that answer is ‘yes,’ you are trying to screw him over.” 

Smith also indicated he believes Jackson's health is a question for the club, as Lamar has missed the final five games of the last two regular seasons with injuries.

This is quickly becoming a public relations nightmare for the organization, and if things don't settle down soon, it could be a situation that's irreparable between the two sides. And in that scenario, Jackson is the winner.

It's quickly becoming less and less likely that Jackson will play another down for Baltimore, and that's unfortunate.

---

Follow Timm Hamm on Twitter and Instagram

Listen to the Baltimore Ravens Daily Blitz Podcast

Follow Raven Country on Twitter

Ravens Alert! Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Baltimore Ravens?