The old saying in the NFL, or sports in general, when it comes to contract situations is “this is the business side of things”. Whenever a big-time player is due for a contract, this phrase is almost guaranteed to be said. While it may not be the case all the time, the business side of things has come really apparent for two quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray. While both players have contract disputes or negotiations, both are extremely different in how they got there, specifically for the fact that they are not from the same draft class. Let us dive into each player and what to expect from these negotiations moving forward.

Kyler Murray

QB Kyler Murray is gearing up for his fourth season in the NFL (all with the Cardinals), coming off his first playoff appearance in year three. While making the playoffs, Murray had arguably his worst game as a pro, going 19/34 with 137 yards and two interceptions. The Cardinals lost in blowout fashion by a score of 34-11, while the Rams went on to win the Super Bowl. As the offseason went on, it seemed that Murray and his camp wanted an extension as early as March, which is incredibly early for anyone, let alone a player who has left something to be desired at the end of each season of his career. This led to criticism from multiple reports, stating his lack of leadership and maturity is what is keeping him from getting an extension, as well as other aspects, of course. His camp even posted a letter on Instagram in regard to why he deserves an extension. Nonetheless, it is a headache that has been caused and there have been no reports of any deal or negotiations happening at all. 

It has not been reported and we still have a long way to go until the start of the season while being around a month away from training camp. The tides can change quickly, but so far, it does not seem to be heading in that direction. On the field, Murray is as athletically gifted as they come, but struggles down the stretch in seasons have also caused the Cardinals brass to pause on giving him an extension as well. Murray has also missed time due to injury, including missing three games in 2021. Nothing is set and stone obviously, but I would imagine the Cardinals are going to let Murray play out the fourth season of his five eligible years with the fifth being an option, and see where it goes from there. There is no question that Murray is talented and is in one of those spots where it is tough to find someone better. At the same time though, if the Cardinals do not believe he is the guy to lead their squad, the contract situation will only get more difficult.

Lamar Jackson

While due for an extension as well, QB Lamar Jackson is in a completely different situation than Kyler Murray. From what is reported, the Ravens front office and coaching staff raves about Jackson’s leadership qualities and the maturity level he has shown in his four seasons so far. The biggest issue, if it is even that, is that Jackson is the one that wants to play out his fifth-year option and go from there. Usually, the teams are hesitant to sign, but this is a rare vice versa for this specific negotiation. It is well documented that Jackson does not have an agent either, which is unprecedented for recent memory as well. Jackson is taking the rare “betting on himself” route, which you rarely see in the NFL on a player's first contract, especially at the quarterback position. In other sports it has worked, such as Yankees RF Aaron Judge this year, who declined an extension before the start of the season and is now the favorite to win AL MVP through 70-plus games. Regardless, it is something we rarely see from NFL QB’s, and it does not make things easier for the Ravens.

Jackson has been excellent in his career so far, which includes an MVP in his second season, but 2021 left something to be desired. Jackson was injured for the majority of the season but was not at his best when he was on the field either. In the 12 games, he did play, Jackson scored a total of 18 touchdowns and 16 turnovers, leading to a passer rating of 87. I doubt this season will have any impact on what contract the Ravens offer Jackson, but the injuries might make them hesitate into giving him massive amounts of money. It is unprecedented for a “run-first” quarterback to get a big-time contract, but Jackson might be the first, and rightfully so. Outside of this season, Jackson has never been injured and the injury he suffered was a freak injury on a sack, not a big hit in the open field where he is most vulnerable. Jackson has also shown massive improvements in his passing game, which will also better help his case to get a hefty extension. It should be interesting how this plays out. How many teams will be in on Jackson since he will be a free agent? Can Baltimore convince him to sign one before the season starts? Jackson’s play on the field in 2022. will answer almost every question that you need to know.

Stats from profootballreference.com

-By: Richie Dordas

What a way to finish off week 1 of the NFL season with a thrilling OT victory for the Raiders in their new hometown and brand new stadium of Las Vegas. The final score may have read 33-27, but it looked so much closer throughout the game and both teams had their flaws. Unfortunately for the Ravens, the two costly turnovers from Lamar Jackson sealed the victory for the Raiders. 

The game started off with the Ravens jumping out to an early 14-0 lead with Ty’Son Williams and Marquise Brown scoring on plays of 35 and 10 yards out. Williams looked good early on for the Ravens as he tries to help replace the trio of Dobbins, Edwards, and Hill who all are lost for the season with ACL tears. His 70 plus rushing yards and a touchdown were a great start for a guy who moved up the depth chart quickly. 

The Raiders stayed calm throughout and began their comeback run scoring 10 unanswered points before the half to narrow the window to 14-10. They started to get the connection between Pro Bowl TE Darren Waller and QB Derek Carr going and hitting on their last two completions to set up both a touchdown and field goal before the half. They even got Josh Jacobs, who was clearly still dealing with a turf toe injury, a few good runs including the first touchdown for the Raiders. 

After halftime, the ball game began to show the struggles of the Ravens offense. The main issue was the offensive line's inability to slow down the Raiders pass rush. Whether it was Yannick Ngakoue, Maxx Crosby, Darius Philon, or Carl Nassib the Ravens had no answer for them off the edge or up the middle. Crosby and Ngakoue had consistent pressure whether it was against All-Pro OT Ronnie Stanley or the newest Raven OT Alejandro Villaneuva.

Lamar did his best to avoid the rush all game and even had a few great escapes, but by the fourth quarter and overtime, the rush really started to get home. Crosby helped to cause the first of two fumbles by Lamar with his pressure off the edge allowing Quinton Jefferson to come and punch the ball out early on in the fourth quarter. This led to the second Jacobs touchdown on the day from 15 yards out. 

Even down the stretch the Ravens still seemed to be able to pull out the win getting a late field goal with under a minute left to make the score 27-24. Yet, the Raiders had no quit and went down the field in 35 seconds to set up a 55-yard field goal that K Daniel Carlson knocked down. Heading into overtime, the Ravens seemed primed to complete the victory with a great interception and good drive at first. Yet the protection woes reared their ugly head again and with the pressure off the edge from Carl Nassib, he hit Lamar in the back and caused the second fumble that proved to be the game sealer. 

Adding salt to the wound, the Ravens call a zero blitz and allow WR Zay Jones to get wide open for the 31-yard score to end the game. It was a good game for both teams, but the Raiders fought hard for the win and came out on top. 

Next week the Ravens play the Kansas City Chiefs in primetime on Sunday night football. While the Raiders go up against the Steelers on the road.

Writer

-By: Darren Braxton

Coming into his fourth season, QB Lamar Jackson will look to get over the hump and get it done in the playoffs. First, he must play through a regular season to get there, which will feature some exciting matchups, interesting games, and a ton at stake with big games down the stretch. Let us break down the Ravens schedule and see how their season will go in 2021. 

Last Year’s Record: 11-5

Most Intriguing Game: Week 5 vs. Indianapolis (MNF)

In Week 5, the Ravens will be home to take on QB Carson Wentz and the Indianapolis Colts. This game will be on Monday Night Football and will be the Ravens third primetime game in the first five weeks and their second Monday Night Football game with their first coming Week 1 against the Raiders. The Colts are coming into this season with serious expectations, sporting a solid offense and a lockdown defense headlined by LB Darius Leonard. This game will be a good test for Baltimore to see where they need to improve for the rest of the season. Also, getting a win here would be a quality victory and can bode well for the team’s success and momentum into their three games after that before their bye week. This should be an exciting matchup and will be must-see TV on Monday Night.

Most Important Game: Week 14 at Cleveland

If all projections hold, the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns are going to be in a dogfight for much of the season, fighting for the AFC North crown. In Week 14, Baltimore will travel to Cleveland to take on their division foe for the second time in three weeks. For Cleveland, they will be coming off a bye week, while Baltimore has Pittsburgh sandwiched in between their games against the Browns. Depending on how the first matchup goes, Baltimore might be looking at a two-game sweep over Cleveland, which gives them a massive advantage with tiebreakers. Or, if they lose the first meeting, the next one becomes that much more important to avoid getting swept and falling behind Cleveland. Regardless, both matchups are going to be extremely important, but to get a road win over a division rival is tough and would be a statement if they can get it done.

Most Important Stretch: Weeks 9-11

Coming out of their bye week, the Ravens have three tough opponents right out of the gate. First, they are home against Minnesota, followed by two straight road games against Miami and Chicago. This stretch of games might make or break the Ravens season, as they play three straight divisional opponents following this stretch. Each team in this stretch has at least a mediocre defense, with two of the three having an elite one (Miami, Chicago). Losing three straight out of a bye week would be a killer, but this will most likely be avoided because of the talent the Ravens have. Winning two out of three would put the Ravens in a really good spot for the playoffs before they play the sea of divisional matchups to end their season.

Prediction: 11-6

In 2021, I predict the Baltimore Ravens will finish second in the division but make the playoffs at 11-6. In division, Baltimore should go 4-2, splitting with Cleveland and Pittsburgh while sweeping Cincinnati. Their four losses out of division will come against Kansas City, Los Angeles (AFC), Miami, and Los Angeles (NFC). In the win column, Baltimore should win four of their first five against Las Vegas, Detroit, Denver, and a big win over the Colts. After the bye week, Baltimore should beat Minnesota, Chicago, and Green Bay, to gain a clean sweep over the NFC North. Baltimore has no ceiling with 11 wins being their floor. It is all about what they do in January that is going to matter the most for the Ravens in 2021.

Info from profootballreference.com

Schedule from nfl.com

Writer

-By: Richie Dordas