CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns gave Deshaun Watson $230 million guaranteed to become their quarterback last year and as a result caused quite a disturbance in the force. The force being the way the NFL owners go about structuring players’ contracts.
In order to acquire Watson, the Browns did something unprecedented and paid him like he was the best QB in the league by guaranteeing all of his salary. This opened the door for other QBs who were up for a new contract or extension to ask for their contract to be fully guaranteed.
One example so far is the negotiations between the Ravens and Lamar Jackson. As a former league MVP whose unique ability to run and pass the ball, Jackson feels that he is worth at least as much as Deshaun Watson. Meanwhile the Ravens have used the franchise tag on Jackson, which means he stands to make just over $30 million next season. It also means that other teams can bid on him, with the Ravens having the chance to match any such bids.
As a result it’s possible Jackson may not be a Raven next season.
Recent cartoons by Ted Crow:
Five games left before playoffs start for Cleveland Cavaliers: Crowquill
With draft, majority of offseason still ahead, will refurbished Browns sail into playoffs? Crowquill
Crowquill, by artist Ted Crow, appears Wednesdays and Sundays in The Plain Dealer and on cleveland.com.
