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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

As the NFL heads into the off-season after the Super Bowl LVII this Sunday, Lamar Jackson is still without a new contract. The Baltimore Ravens haven’t signed their quarterback to an extension yet and franchise tight end Mark Andrews wishes he could do something about it.

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The fifth-year tight end came on Super Bowl Week’s ProFootballTalk Live to have a chat with Chris Simms and Mike Florio. The Lamar Jackson topic inevitably came up. And the quarterback’s TE and 2018 draft batch-mate is desperate to have his friend and leader back. So much so that Andrews is willing to endure personal losses if it comes to that.

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Mark Andrews will pay to keep Lamar Jackson in Baltimore

Lamar Jackson finished his contract with the Ravens this year. And for the first time since 2018, the Heisman Trophy winner is a free agent. And Mark Andrews is unsure what Baltimore is waiting for.

ALSO READ: $215 Million NBA All Star Blurts Out Major Lamar Jackson Take That Could Be a Big Hint on the Ravens QB’s Future

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On being asked if a Lamar-less Ravens are a possibility next year, Mark Andrews was quick to answer. “No. I think Lamar’s a raven for life. I know the organization. They want Lamar. And Lamar has a lot of respect for the organization as well. So both parties want to get this deal done,

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The 27-year-old TE said before adding what he would if the Ravens don’t act fast.

Some NFC teams are already looking at Action Jackson. And Baltimore has to act quickly. “I’ll give him my paycheck if I have to,” Lamar’s trusted All-Pro offensive weapon said.

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However, that could be a heavy hit for Mark, given his $37 million guaranteed and $56 million 4-year contract extension from 2021.

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Lamar has the Ravens ownership’s support despite injury troubles

The chances of Baltimore placing the franchise QB tag and responsibilities on Lamar’s shoulders are exponentially high after the Ravens really felt his absence this season. Jackson missed the final six games of this season with a knee injury. And without no. 8, the Cincinnati Bengals didn’t face too much trouble in their playoff clash either.

However, Baltimore Ravens GM Eric DeCosta and HC John Harbaugh displayed the utmost faith in their QB.

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We’re excited to start up negotiations with Lamar Jackson,” DeCosta said of the Ravens’ future in the season-ending press conference.

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On being asked how the situation looks right now, the GM said, “it takes two to tango. But we’ll communicate effectively and be as fair as we can be.

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Harbaugh also said that he wanted Lamar for the long haul and even included him in the search process for a new offensive coordinator after Greg Roman stepped down last month. And looks like Lamar’s renewal isn’t the only thing on the stakeholders’ minds.

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Soumyapriyo Ganguly

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Soumyapriyo Ganguly is an NFL writer at EssentiallySports. Ganguly (or Rivu, as he is affectionately known) is a sports enthusiast and a comprehensive all-rounder when it comes to dissecting high-profile matchups. He brings his academic background in Economics and Finance to the fore to provide insights into franchise finances and player contracts. His latest article, "Analyzing Tom Brady's $50 Million Contract with the Buccaneers" has been well-received with over 1 million readers. Despite being drawn to the snowy weather of Buffalo, Ganguly's favorite player is Super Bowl Champion QB Patrick Mahomes. He is a big fan of NBA point guard Luka Doncic and enjoys watching him break ankles on the court as a member of the Dallas Mavericks. In addition, Ganguly is a passionate fan of MMA and cheers for Kamaru Usman in the ring. In his free time, he can be found playing basketball and perfecting his jump shot. The snowy weather of Buffalo entices Ganguly but the hot throws of Super Bowl Champion QB Patrick Mahomes are his favorite. He loves to watch ankle breakers from the point guard Luka Doncic from his favorite team in NBA, Dallas Mavericks. He is also an avid MMA lover and roots for Kamaru Usman in the ring.

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Arijit Saha

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