NFL Rumors: Lamar Jackson seeks 'special guidance' from NFLPA over contract tussle with Ravens

Lamar Jackson is one of the most sought-after players heading into the 2023 NFL offseason. The Baltimore Ravens QB seems to have hit a stumbling block when it comes to a contract extension with the side that drafted him back in 2018.

Word on the street is that Jackson is wanting a bumper fully-guaranteed contract similar in nature to that offered by division rivals Cleveland Browns to Deshaun Watson. Watson's $230 million 5-year contract is currently the biggest full-guaranteed deal in NFL history.

The Ravens do wish to extend Jackson's contract, on whom they applied the fifth-year option to keep hold of in 2022. But the options are now far more limited for the AFC North franchise.

The Ravens must broker a deal with Jackson on play him on the franchise tag. Considering his recent run of injuries might be what is holding back the Ravens, but Jackson is looking to make the most out of the scenario.

According to NFL insider Dianna Russini, the quarterback is receiving "guidance" from the NFLPA regarding his contract negotiation talks. The 2019 league MVP does not have an agent and thus words of advice from the NFL players' governing body could prove to be vital.

As per earlier reports, the franchise had offered their QB a $250 million deal with $133 million guaranteed at signing. The Ravens QB, though, apparently refused to sign the deal.

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Stephen A. Smith backs Lamar Jackson's demand for bumper new contract

The quarterback market has seen some major inflation over the last couple of years. More and more star QBs are signing contracts that guarantee them hundreds of millions of dollars.

Weighing in on the Baltimore QB's situation, Stephen A. Smith said that he has every right to demand more than the reported figure of $133 million:

"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."

Smith, while appearing on First Take, went on to say that the QB has every right to feel insulted by the Ravens' offer:

"There is no excuse for the Baltimore Ravens to offer Lamar $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."

There are plenty of contrasting opinions regarding the matter as the Ravens continue to try and break common ground with their dual-threat QB. They could choose to cash in and stock up on draft picks and choose their next star in the loaded 2023 NFL Draft class. Only time will tell what lies ahead for the former Heisman-winning QB.