Ravens QB Lamar Jackson holds up ‘Pay ’Em Now’ signal from fan after comeback win over Buccaneers

At the top of Thursday night’s 27-22 comeback win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had a easy message, courtesy of a fan.

“PAY ’EM NOW!”

As Jackson headed down the Raymond James Stadium tunnel after the Ravens’ second straight victory, a fan threw an indication towards the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player with these phrases and Jackson’s No. 8 jersey written on it. Jackson picked it up and skim the message earlier than strolling again out towards the group and holding it triumphantly above his head. He added his autograph and handed the signal again to the fan as the group cheered for the South Florida native in his return to his house state.

After a shaky begin, Jackson put collectively certainly one of his greatest performances of the season, finishing 22 of 38 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns whereas speeding for 43 yards at hand future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady his first three-game dropping streak since 2002. After going 19-for-30 for 144 yards within the first half, Jackson accomplished all eight of his makes an attempt within the second, main the Ravens again from a 10-3 deficit.

Jackson’s contract negotiations have been the topic of a lot scrutiny during the last two years. The No. 32 total decide within the 2018 draft is enjoying beneath his fifth-year possibility price $23.016 million this season after he and the Ravens failed to achieve an settlement on a long-term contract extension earlier than Jackson’s self-imposed Week 1 deadline. If he and the Ravens don’t agree on an extension by March 7 of subsequent yr, Baltimore would wish to make use of its franchise tag to maintain him from changing into a free agent. Under an unique franchise tag, Jackson would probably be owed about $45 million in 2023.

The Cleveland Browns redefined the quarterback market earlier this yr after they signed Deshaun Watson to a five-year, $230 million deal, absolutely assured. Ravens proprietor Steve Bisciotti commented on that deal when he spoke with Baltimore reporters on the finish of March: “To me, that’s something that is groundbreaking, and it’ll make negotiations harder with others.”

As Jackson sat down for his postgame interview on the sector with Amazon Prime’s “Thursday Night Football” crew, the remaining Ravens followers chanted “Pay that man!” None of the commentators, together with host Charissa Thompson, former tight finish Tony Gonzalez, former quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, former left deal with Andrew Whitworth and former cornerback Richard Sherman, requested Jackson immediately in regards to the signal, however Sherman stated he needs to see Jackson eclipse Watson’s contract.

“What I really want to talk to you about is the sign you picked up. As someone who’s represented themselves, I want you to get all the money you deserve,” Sherman stated. “I know you ain’t talking about it in season, so I ain’t gonna make you talk about it in season, but pay the man. Give him $231 million guaranteed.”

In response to a query from Whitworth about his ardour for the sport, Jackson credited the group for its perception in him. “I feel like any quarterback would want that from their organization, especially their coach, who you have to see every day,” he stated.

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