After suffering yet another injury in this ailment-filled season, and amidst discussions of a contract extension, the question about the future of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has come to the forefront.
In an opinion piece in the Baltimore Sun, columnist Mike Preston accuses the quarterback of sleeping in meetings, playing video games late into the evening and receiving preferential treatment.
Ultimately, rather than sign a contract extension, Preston believes the Ravens should consider trading Jackson – all while suggesting head coach John Harbaugh.
Moreover, Preston believes that if Jackson signs, he should do so with a salary cut ‘like former great Tom Brady did’ in New England.
Preston argues, ‘A discounted deal would let the Ravens sign some quality offensive linemen and put a cap on the 41 sacks taken by Baltimore quarterbacks in 15 games this season. You want better protection? Give back and we’ll buy some.’
In the depths of his commentary, Preston goes on to accuse Jackson of not putting in the necessary effort to properly maintain his health and conditioning.
A columnist for the Baltimore Sun believes the Ravens should consider trading Lamar Jackson
Jackson has been injured multiple times this season, missing practice on Wednesday
The column accuses Jackson of not putting in the necessary effort to stay in shape as well as his tendencies to sleep in team meetings and play video games into the late night hours
‘The breakdown of an NFL player’s body is natural,’ Preston argues, ‘but Jackson could help himself.’
Preston further points the finger at Jackson and says, ‘He doesn’t need to be up late at night playing video games or falling asleep in team meetings. He needs to train more around The Castle [Baltimore’s training facility] instead of only attending mandatory minicamps, where he disappears after one day.’
The columnist’s criticism then turns to the team itself, suggesting ‘there are team rules and then there are rules for Jackson’ – saying the Ravens practice in the afternoons and not the mornings to appease him.
‘Once the Ravens become critical of Jackson,’ Preston writes, ‘he becomes more withdrawn. It’s a shame because Jackson isn’t a mean-spirited person, just an overgrown kid in an adult’s body.’
Preston goes on to then praise Jackson for the career that he’s had – swatting aside naysayers who doubt his toughness while praising his competitive spirit.
But he laments that Jackson is ‘a player whose body is starting to wear down’ and believes the team should consider all possible options – including a trade.
‘It’s clear that coach John Harbaugh has become tired of Jackson, even though he builds him up after every game,’ Preston remarks.
Among the trade destinations include his hometown Miami Dolphins, who are now in the lurch after benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Of the potential trade destinations, Tom Brady’s fondness for Jackson could lead him to Vegas
Due in part to the injuries, Jackson is in the midst of the worst statistical season of his career
Another option is Las Vegas due to the fondness part-owner Tom Brady has for Jackson.
Preston also believes the Ravens should target a young quarterback in the early rounds.
Jackson is in the midst of one of the worst statistical seasons of his career since being named a full-time starter.
His passing numbers are down, his 18 passing touchdowns are significantly lower than the 41 he had last year, and his anemic number for rushing attempts and yards has made Jackson nearly unrecognizable from his trademark dual-threat abilities.
Further insult was added to his laundry list of injuries. A back contusion suffered over the weekend against the New England Patriots joins a list of issues to his hamstring, knee, ankle and toe this season.
On Christmas Eve, Jackson was absent from practice as he healed from the latest ailment.
In sum, when considering statistics, on-field prowess and his health, this is definitively the worst year of Jackson’s career.
It’s unclear if he’ll be healthy for either of the Ravens’ final two games of the season.