Andrews: ‘I think Lamar’s a Raven for Life’

Andrews: ‘I think Lamar’s a Raven for Life’

Baltimore Ravens All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews is confident that Lamar Jackson will stay put for not only this upcoming season, but for life.

Jackson is a free agent, looking for his first major contract since he was drafted in 2018.

“I think Lamar’s a Raven for life. … I know they want Lamar, and I know that he has a lot of respect for the organization as well,” Andrews told Pro Football Talk on Tuesday afternoon.

“I’ll give him my paycheck if I have to.”

Obviously, Andrews not only loves Jackson the player, but he also loves Jackson the person. I wish we could bring this interview back in a time machine to the 2018 NFL Draft, where 31 picks went by before Jackson was selected by the Ravens.

Is The Lamar Jackson Era Officially Over In Baltimore?

I would have to agree with Andrews here. I believe Baltimore has found their identity with Jackson. Keeping Jackson around will help them develop as an organization, it will help recruit potential new players (shoutout Marlon Humphrey) and he wouldn’t walk to another AFC rival.

Keep Lamar Jackson

It is vital for the Ravens to keep Jackson if they want to make something of the 2020s.

The Ravens made the playoffs in 2022 and we all saw what they did on the biggest stage without Jackson in that game. Now imagine that every game. They would be a drifting, helpless organization that has no receivers, no offensive potency, and a lost identity.

Head coach John Harbaugh seems confident, saying there’s a “200%” chance that Lamar is the team’s long-term starter.

Jackson is a generational talent with speed and grace not seen since Mike Vick.

Let Lamar Walk

The argument to let Jackson walk isn’t the worst one. It would be a massive risk to sign Jackson to what he is going to ask for.

Remember just last year, fellow AFC North quarterback and famously awful person Deshaun Watson got a truckload of guaranteed money from the Cleveland Browns. Jackson will certainly be asking something similar to what Watson got.

The former Louisville star has been injury prone at the end of seasons for the last two years. In fact, he’s been injured four times since the start of 2021.

If he walks, I like the Jets, Colts, and Commanders as suitors.

Would The Ravens Swap Lamar Jackson For Justin Fields?

The Verdict

I can’t imagine that Lamar Jackson isn’t a Baltimore Raven at least for the 2023 season. If I were a betting man, I’d say Jackson gets the franchise tag in the summer, doesn’t play in training camp, and Baltimore finally gives in.

I am predicting a five-year, $200 million deal from the Ravens to lock up Jackson long-term.

I hope it gets done. Honestly, I can’t see Jackson in any other colors but purple, black, and gold.

***

Subscribe to Vendetta’s Twitch

Check out the Vendetta Shop

CLICK HERE for more NFL content

Subscribe to Vendetta’s YouTube