Lamar Jackson signs long-term extension with Ravens, DeAndre Hopkins trade to Baltimore could happen during NFL Draft Thursday
The Ravens have locked up quarterback Lamar Jackson
It wasn't out of the question that the Baltimore Ravens would have considered selecting a quarterback in Round 1 of tonight's NFL Draft if they didn't believe they could come to an agreement on a long-term extension with quarterback Lamar Jackson and if he continued to push for a trade. That speculation is now moot, as the former MVP has signed a five-year, $260 million deal and might soon be joined on the Ravens by former Pro Bowl receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Jackson's deal has surpassed the recently signed five-year, $255 million extension by Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts as the biggest in the league in terms of average annual value. CBS Sports' Josina Anderson tweeted that Jackson's deal includes $185 million guaranteed. Once the Hurts contract was in place, the Ravens upped their offer to Jackson. There had been reports he was holding out for the biggest guarantee in NFL history, which is the $230 million deal Deshaun Watson got last year with Cleveland.
Baltimore had used the the non-exclusive franchise tag with Jackson, which allowed other teams to sign him to an offer sheet and also afforded Baltimore the chance to match any offer. Apparently no clubs engaged in serious discussions with Jackson. Had a team signed Jackson to a sheet and the Ravens declined to match, they would have gotten two first-round picks from said team unless other arrangements were worked out.
This certainly affects Round 1 tonight. For starters, Baltimore is now +5000 at DraftKings to pick a quarterback with its first selection of the draft – currently sitting at No. 22. Cornerback is the -210 favorite. It also all but ensures the Indianapolis Colts will take a QB with the No. 4 pick or if they move up, as they had really been the only team linked to Jackson.
The Ravens already added one former Pro Bowl wideout in Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency and reports are that a Hopkins trade with Arizona is potentially close – although Baltimore isn't likely to give up its first-round pick for him. Nor should the Cardinals expect one, with Hopkins trending downward at age 31 (in June) and limited to 19 combined games over the past two seasons due to injury and a suspension.
Earlier today on the Pat McAfee show, former NFL cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones said that his sources have told him that a deal involving Hopkins could be done tonight with the Ravens named as the finalists alongside the Chiefs and Bills. It does seem pretty likely that Hopkins is dealt at some point before the end of the draft Saturday. Jackson's new deal did open cap space for the Ravens to take on a Hopkins contract.Â
Below is the SportsLine Projection Model forecast for the Ravens with Jackson in the fold, and potentially Hopkins as well.
| BALTIMOREÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | WINSÂ Â | WIN%Â Â Â Â | DIVISIONÂ Â Â | PLAYOFFÂ Â Â | CONFÂ Â Â | CHAMP |
| No Lamar Jackson | 7.2 | 42.40% | 6.70% | 18.50% | 0.30% | 0.10% |
| w/ Lamar Jackson | 9.6 | 56.50% | 26.70% | 57.70% | 6.10% | 2.50% |
| w/ OBJ | 10 | 58.80% | 33.60% | 67.00% | 8.40% | 4.00% |
| w/ Hopkins, OBJ, LJ | 10.4 | 61.20% | 43.60% | 81.30% | 13.50% | 7.00% |
| Overall Difference | 3.2 | 18.80% | 36.90% | 62.80% | 13.20% | 6.90% |
Get more out of your SportsLine subscription!Â
- Picks:Â NFLÂ |Â NBAÂ |Â CFBÂ |Â CBB
- DFS: Lineup Optimizer | Picks
- Early Edge: YouTube | Apple Podcasts
- Newsletters: SportsLine Daily | Fantasy
Qualifying SportsLine members receive a 30-day free trial of Paramount+ premium. Sync your account right here.Â
