If memory serves, no man has ever won the NFL’s MVP trophy by being absent from the playing surface. Call it a hunch, one of those things someone can be sure of without feeling the need to check his sources. Ask yourselves a question, though. What if we awarded the ‘Most Valuable Player’ trophy based on the operative word, ‘value’? Couldn’t we make a case that Lamar Jackson should be among the finalists every season?
The Baltimore Ravens star was forced out of action early because of a hamstring issue in Week 4. During the two games that followed, Baltimore’s offense struggled to make any significant impact. Most probably, I would have expected a drop-off, but this was worse. The Ravens‘ O was nonexistent.
In the two-time MVP’s absence, Baltimore only mustered 13 points, 28 first downs, and 503 yards of offense. Heck, they stacked 432 total yards in Week 1. Think about that for a second.
Lamar Jackson proves himself extension-worthy without even lifting a finger.
This terrain feels familiar. It’s time to discuss Lamar Jackson’s extension, and as was the case last time, it’s overdue. Let’s hope the negotiations don’t repeat the most recent pattern.
Think back to the 2022 offseason. He initially turned down a previously offered deal, electing instead to ‘bet on himself’. A PCL injury precipitated an unexpected crossroads.
The non-exclusive franchise tag followed. So did negotiations, which seemed less than familial. On March 27, 2023, Jackson requested a trade on Twitter, stating the Ravens’ front office “has not been interested in meeting my value”.
Cooler heads eventually prevailed on April 27 of that same year. He signed a five-year contract worth $260 million with $185 million guaranteed. Receiving $52 million per year made him the highest-paid player in NFL history at that time. He responded by winning his second MVP trophy.
That extension reaches its end after the 2027 season. Jackson represents a cap hit of $43.5 million this season and cap hits of $74.5 million in 2026 and 2027. His base salary is $51,250,000 during both years. Might restructuring and extension be in his future?
Forget the financial implications. Those are just bonuses. The point here is that Baltimore needs to keep its franchise player in The Flock and happy. He’s proven time after time that he’s worthy of MVP consideration. This time, however, he did so in an unusual fashion. He proved he’s a legitimate MVP candidate by being absent.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens’ two-game struggle further proves Lamar Jackson’s true value
