Lamar Jackson’s future in Baltimore is complicated

The Baltimore Ravens should have zero regrets with Lamar Jackson, but extension talks could become tricky.

Buyer’s remorse is something teams will have when looking back to NFL Drafts of years past. The Baltimore Ravens should have none after trading up to select Lamar Jackson with the 32nd overall pick.

Since being drafted out of Louisville, Jackson has proven to be the franchise quarterback for the Flock. Three years and three-straight postseason appearances, two coming in the AFC Divisional Round, Jackson is the guy. Add in his MVP season of 2019 and there’s little to regret.

Jackson and the Ravens will be entering contract negotiations entering 2021. Although he’s 1-3 in the playoffs, three trips for a shot at the Lombardi Trophy are worthy of an extension. Plus, teams would love to have someone with Jackson’s skill-set to bring relevance to the franchise.

This is where things could get complicated entering the offseason.

Per Fansided’s Matt Verderame, a deal is expected to get done in the coming months, but it won’t be as significant as one would imagine. The Ravens are expected to offer something much lower than that of Patrick Mahomes or potentially even Deshaun Watson’s deal.

Is Jackson worthy of a massive extension?

Sources around the NFL have told Verderame there are multiple plans Eric DeCosta can go with this offseason. One would be to pay Jackson now before the salary cap reaches a new level. The other would be to decline Jackson’s fifth-year option and save themselves some money.

The one that makes the most sense yet also is the riskiest would be to pick up Jackson’s fifth-year option for 2022 and let him play out this upcoming season. Should he continue to develop as a well-rounded pocket-passer, a deal could be made before the start of 2022. If he struggles, no harm no foul.

There are problems with that since Jackson’s already is an MVP-caliber player when at his best. Should he only improve extending plays downfield with his arm, that will add a few more zeros to his next payday.

And if Jackson is given a deal to make him the second-highest paid player in the NFL, he’ll need to be the answer for years to come.

Jackson’s postseason appearances have been met with mixed results. The record is one thing, but the production is also a lingering concern. In four games, Jackson has a 55.9 percent completion rate with three touchdowns against five interceptions.

Meanwhile, Mahomes is 5-1 in postseason play and has already hoisted a Lombardi Trophy.

At 24, Jackson has plenty of time to transform into one of the game’s more complete players under center. For now, the picture isn’t as clear for his future as many envisioned entering 2020.