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#4 Lamar Jackson, Quarterback (Baltimore Ravens)
Franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson signed a 4-year, $9.5 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens in 2018. The Ravens had moved up the NFL Draft board to land their man with the 32nd overall pick in that year's Draft.
After taking over from Joe Flacco during his first year in the NFL (2018), Jackson became the first player to post +1,000-plus yards rushing and throw for +30 touchdowns in a single campaign in 2019. He also holds the NFL rushing record (1,206 yards) for quarterbacks in a season.
With the 2019 league MVP award to boast among his personal accolades, it's surprising to read that Lamar Jackson is actually ranked 42nd on the list of highest-earning QB contracts in the NFL, in terms of the average value of contract per year.
Under his current deal, Jackson's average earnings come below that of former Ravens' QB Joe Flacco, the man Lamar ousted from the starting spot in Baltimore.
Earlier this year, the Boston Globe's Ben Volin reported that Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens were miles apart in contract negotiations.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta seemed more optimistic in a recent interview, though, stating:
"We're confident and committed to get a long-term deal done, and hopefully we can get that done at some point in the near future. It may take a little time, but we're willing to try."
Baltimore still have some $16 million in available cap space, and the mere idea of having to tender Lamar Jackson to his fifth-year option in 2022 is enough to cause waves of discontent throughout the passionate Baltimore fanbase.
The Ravens should get a new deal sorted for their franchise QB sooner rather than later; it's a total no-brainer: For his exploits in the NFL, Lamar Jackson deserves more money, and there might be revolts in Maryland if the man they call 'Action' were to end up a free agent come 2023!
I just don't see why the Baltimore boardroom would even risk upsetting the single most talented QB they've ever had in the history of the franchise.
#5 Brandon Scherff, Offensive guard (Washington football team)
Brandon Scherff may have had his fair share of injuries in recent years, but the University of Iowa product is still one of the best guards in the NFL when fit. The fact that Scherff has been to four Pro Bowls should tell you all you need to know about the 29-year-old's abilities at the line.
2021 will be the second year in succession that Scherff has been franchise tagged, but Washington still have until July 15 to extend his contract.
With $19 million of cap room to exploit, it would be a surprise if Washington didn't at least try to tie Scherff down to a big deal before the 2021 NFL Draft.
The OG won't come cheap, though. Most analysts expect Brandon Scherff's new contract to rival that paid by the Kansas City Chiefs to the former New England Patriots' guard Joe Thuney earlier in the NFL off-season.
