Lamar Jackson Signs $260 Million Contract - NFL's Richest-Ever; Ravens DB Says 'Screw You!' to Haters
Regardless of what happens in tonight's NFL Draft, Baltimore Ravens fans will be happy after signing Lamar Jackson to a new five-year deal ... that makes him, at $260 million, the highest-paid player in NFL history.
The new contract (which also features $185 mil guaranteed) comes after months of struggling negotiations between Jackson and the Ravens and doubt that a new deal would surface.
However, some of those within the Ravens never panicked and felt Jackson would be back, including veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who tweeted out a message to Baltimore's critics.
Jackson's deal is more than the five-year, $255 million contract signed by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts earlier this month. It took a while though, and many were criticizing the Ravens for not giving Jackson a well-deserved long-term contract.
Within the last four months, Jackson even went as far to request a trade from the Ravens because it seemed that the team wasn't willing to extend him. That led to Jackson being given the non-exclusive tag, forcing any team looking to sign him to trade two first-round picks to the Ravens.
This scared off other teams and bought Baltimore just enough time to get a deal done. Now, the Ravens can place their full attention and focus into this weekend's draft, where the team currently has five picks, including the No. 22 overall selection this evening.
Coverage tonight begins on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network at 8 p.m.
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