The Baltimore Ravens added Jacoby Brissett after injury news hit Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley, casting a huge shadow on the rest of their season. Trade rumors have swirled around running back Derrick Henry while Jackson's future Super Bowl prospects with Baltimore have been questioned.
Famous sports pundit Stephen A. Smith took aim at the Jackson situation on his show on Friday, November 6, giving fans something to think about as the situation continued to be discussed.
“You payin' him? Are you payin' Lamar Jackson? Because we all know that as mercurial as he is, as much of a talent as he is, what it all comes down to is availability…It's all about what have you done lately. Are you payin' him? Are you payin' Lamar Jackson?”
Jackson's contract runs through 2028 after which he will be an unrestricted free agent at age 31. He has played in five of the Ravens' nine games this season with Huntley and Joe Fagnano filling in as his backup during the games he hasn't been able to give it a go. Now at 4-5 on the season and last place in the AFC North, it's safe to say that Baltimore would be in a much better spot with Jackson at the controls of coach Jesse Minter's offense.
The Ravens' fortunes rest strongly on Jackson's shoulders as its most dynamic playmaker, and the guy who opens up the running game for Henry and his teammates to thrive. If his injury woes continue deep into next year, Minter and company could look to move in a different direction.