Jackson becomes highest-paid quarterback in NFL at $260 million
If you want something done right, sometimes you just have to do it yourself. That was Lamar Jackson’s approach to his contract negotiations and he signed for five years and $260 million, with $185 million of it guaranteed while representing himself in the talks with the Baltimore Ravens.
Jackson’s mega deal came just hours before the first round of the NFL Draft. With quarterbacks all the rage heading into the first round, it seems only fitting that a proven, former NFL MVP would get some clarity about his situation.
Baltimore Ravens betting odds
(odds via DraftKings on April 27, 3 p.m. PT)
- Super Bowl: +2500
- AFC: +1500
- AFC North: +280
- Win Total: 9.5 (-120/100)
- Make Playoffs: Yes -130 / No +110
It didn’t seem like there was a huge market for Jackson, and possibly even a little bit of collusion from teams hoping to keep QB salaries down after the enormous five-year, fully-guaranteed $230 million deal that Deshaun Watson signed with the Browns. It turns out that Jackson got more money overall, but not as much of a guarantee.
Across the market, Baltimore’s odds went from around a consensus of +3000 down to +2500 or +2200. There was a chance that the Ravens may have tried to move up to take a QB or drafted Hendon Hooker, but now they have Lamar signed, sealed, and delivered for this season and beyond.
As for Lamar himself, he’s +1500 to be the NFL MVP. His passing yards prop is set at 3,675.5 with -115 both ways. His rushing yards over/under is 875.5 with -115 both ways. DraftKings also has his passing touchdowns prop at over/under 24.5 with the same vig.
Baltimore’s signing of Odell Beckham Jr. seemed to be a good indicator that a deal was coming soon, but now that it’s officially here, Ravens fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
Here’s what Patrick Meagher, Amal Shah, and guest Mike Golic Jr. thought of the signing on Sharp Money: