Sad News: Belfast has just completed a monster deal
Pundits and media outlets of all stripes have weighed in on the contract talks between quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. The most recent, though, is Joel Curry of CBS Sports and a former NFL agent, who offers suggestions on how the parties can settle their differences and ensure a future together. First off, Corry cites pending deals for comparable superstars and points out that a fully guaranteed deal in the style of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson remains the exception.
For a deal to fall through, there would need to be a significant gulf between the Eagles and Jalen Hurts. For Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, a fully guaranteed contract is probably a deal-breaker, Corry wrote. The Bengals’ first priority this offseason is to sign 2020 first overall pick Joe Burrow to an extension. Burrow is not going to get a contract that is completely guaranteed without strong opposition.
Given that “the Chargers aren’t considered a cash-rich team,” Corry observed that it would be difficult for the Los Angeles Chargers to offer quarterback Justin Herbert a fully guaranteed contract.
“A small portion of Herbert’s signing bonus was deferred to March 2021 and wasn’t paid in a lump sum during his rookie contract,” Corry wrote. “Herbert’s signing bonus payments and the funding regulations make it seem unlikely that he will receive a fully guaranteed contract.
Corry thinks Jackson should ask the Ravens for concessions instead of expecting a fully guaranteed contract.
“It would be necessary to become the highest-paid player in the NFL,” Corry wrote. Aaron Rodgers of the Packers holds that distinction. Most people agree that his contract is for $150.815 million spread over three years, even though the deal includes two years that are significantly below market value.
Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys has a contract that Corry believes is worth modeling after. It includes the largest signing bonus in NFL history ($66 million) and a cash flow that sees Prescott make 60% of his four-year contract by year two and almost 80% by year three.
Eventually, Corry realizes what a two-party contract ought to include, but he rambles on, saying it’s more likely to boil down to a franchise fee.
