Heading into the final year of his contract, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson seems to be taking a similar approach to Minnesota Vikings passer Kirk Cousins.
Despite being one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, Lamar Jackson is currently in the final year of his contract with the Baltimore Ravens. It appears as though Jackson is willing to bet on himself to maximize his earning potential, something current Minnesota Vikings signal-caller Kirk Cousins is very familiar with.
Back in 2016, the Washington Commanders slapped the franchise tag on Cousins, and a long-term deal was unable to be reached. Then in 2017, the same thing happened.
By 2018, the franchise tag was too expensive for Washington to use on Cousins for the third time, so the quarterback hit the open market. Since then, he’s made a total of $140 million as a member of the Vikings. When looking at this from a business approach, Cousins gambling on himself in 2016 and 2017 was one of the best decisions he’s ever made.
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson could be following a path similar to Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins
During the NFL owners meetings earlier this week, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti was asked if Jackson will sign a contract extension before the start of the 2022 season. Bisciotti’s answer to this question made it sound like an extension isn’t in the plans for the quarterback at this moment.
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti on whether Lamar Jackson will sign extension before season: "Unless he has a change of heart and calls Eric [DeCosta, Ravens GM] and says 'I’m ready.' Eric can’t keep calling him and say, ‘You really need to get in here.' That’s not a GM’s job."
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) March 29, 2022
Bisciotti also specifically mentioned the approach that Cousins took with Washington as something Jackson could have in mind for himself during the next few years.
Steve Bisciotti on Lamar Jackson pursuing a Kirk Cousins-esque path of contract negotiations. pic.twitter.com/6ZV17bFU7A
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) March 29, 2022
In just four seasons in the NFL, Jackson has already won a league MVP while also earning a First-Team All-Pro selection and two trips to the Pro Bowl. His earning potential is currently much higher than the earning potential that Cousins had in 2016 when he received his first franchise tag from Washington.
However, Jackson has dealt with some injuries recently, so his future health could have a significant impact on his earning potential as a free agent.
Clearly though, it seems like that’s something the Baltimore quarterback is worth risking so that he can one day experience the financial success that Cousins has achieved during his NFL career.