Ravens, Lamar Jackson agree to record five-year extension

Jackson confirmed he and the Ravens agreed "in principle" to a five-year deal: 

The Ravens used the non-exclusive franchise tag to retain Jackson's rights for 2023 on March 7, and he later made it known he requested a trade on March 2. However, Rapoport reported back on March 27 that Jackson's trade request was "more about money" than about a desire to leave the Ravens this offseason. Rapoport then said in early April he felt "the most likely" outcome was that Jackson would return to the Ravens in one way or another. 

It was widely reported that Jackson, who was negotiating without a representative certified by the NFL Players Association, wanted a contract similar to the fully guaranteed five-year, $230M deal the Cleveland Browns gave Deshaun Watson in March 2022. The one-time NFL Most Valuable Player was able to negotiate with other teams while on the non-exclusive tag, but Baltimore could've matched any offer he accepted or received two first-round draft picks as compensation. 

Jackson seemingly found that no team other than Baltimore was willing to go all-in for his services as clubs prepared to draft quarterbacks, while salary-cap issues left the San Francisco 49ers unable and/or unwilling to trade for the 26-year-old. All of that is in the past now, as Jackson will find himself cemented atop Baltimore's depth chart at the position for years to come. 

Maryland has legal betting, so Ravens fans have their plates full with choices if they're looking to legally bet on games. Hop over Virginia to North Carolina, and bettors there will soon be able to bet online-- and a BetMGM North Carolina bonus code will hopefully be available, too!