Should Lamar Jackson get more in guaranteed money than Russell Wilson? Stephen A. Smith weighs in on Ravens QB’s contract extension talks

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is set to become a free agent once the new league year begins on March 15th. While he will become a free agent, it's expected that he won't hit the open market. The Ravens and Jackson are trying to work on a long-term deal, but the two have had stalls in talks.

Jackson wants to become one of the highest-paid players in the league with one of the biggest guaranteed contracts in NFL history.

On First Take this morning, analyst Stephen A. Smith discussed the situation. He thinks the Ravens should give Jackson a lot of guaranteed money.

Smith said:

"There is no excuse for the Baltimore Ravens knowing that a Deshaun Watson has $230 million guaranteed. That a Kyler Murray has a $189 million guarantee. That a Russell Wilson has $165 million guaranteed.

"There is no excuse for the Baltimore Ravens to offer Lamar Jackson $133 million guaranteed dollars. That is criminal they have no business doing that. That's incredibly insulting and I don't blame him for feeling insulted."

Smith did add that he disagrees that Lamar Jackson should get paid a fully guaranteed contract due to his injuries and unreliability:

"However, I would not give him a fully guaranteed deal either. He's missed the last five games of the last two seasons. Alright, the best ability is availability but also reliability. He misses on those two categories. That itself compromises the ability for you to walk around with your chest stuck out talking about you desreve fully-guaranteed dollars."

If the Ravens and Jackosn can't agree on a new contract extension, he could be tagged by the team. The franchise tag window begins on Tuesday and will be open for two weeks.

Top 5 NFL players with most guaranteed money

Cleveland Browns v Washington Commanders

While Jackson is aiming to be one of the highest-paid quarterbacks and players in the league, some players already have contracts with over $150 million plus guaranteed money.

Here are the top five highest-paid players with the most guaranteed money:

1. Deshaun Watson ($230 million guaranteed)
2. Kyler Murray ($189 million guaranteed)
3. Russell Wilson ($161 million guaranteed)
4. Aaron Rodgers ($150 million)
5. Josh Allen ($150 million)

Once Jackson reaches a deal with the Ravens or a new team, he can easily join the list of highest-paid players for guaranteed money.

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If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Stephen A. Smith, ESPN, First Take, and H/T Sportskeeda