Running with Uncertainty

New Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken took the high road when asked about Lamar Jackson.

Monken already walked into a hornet’s nest with the uncertainty surrounding the franchise quarterback and his future with the team.

When asked whether he had spoken with Jackson, Monken offered a tepid response.

“I really haven’t had the chance to talk to any of the players yet,” he said. “[I was] just getting here last Wednesday, just trying to get my feet wet, working through a lot of things that come from staff, what we’re going to do moving forward, all that, just trying to figure out where I’m headed when I drive to the facility.”

Jackson, a pending free agent in 2023, reportedly wants a deal similar to Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who landed a five-year, $230 million contract with the Browns, including $230 million in guaranteed money.

The Ravens don’t want to offer that much guaranteed money because it could cripple their 2023 salary cap.

Agents work for 3%. Rumor has it some would take on Lamar for 1%. Unfortunately, he has a 0% agent who doesn't care about the Ravens or fans or him, but are using him as a pawn: The NFLPA. Expect the exclusive tag as a result. https://t.co/5cZZG5PPCe

— Russell St. Report (@RussellStReport) February 23, 2023

GM Eric DeCosta will likely place the exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, who would make $45 million next season under that designation. That also means the Ravens won’t have a whole lot of flexibility to add a top-tier wide receiver or cornerback in free agency.

Ideally, the Ravens and Jackson can work out a new deal. A new contract could create more than $20 million in salary-cap space and DeCosta could make several aggressive moves to turn the team into a Super Bowl contender.

In the meantime, Monken has to move forward with the impression Jackson will be the quarterback … until he isn’t.

Monken does have a plan in case Jackson does decide to hold out.

“Sure, he’ll be behind, but it’s still just football,” Monken said. “I think sometimes we make this out to be way too much. It’s just football. I don’t know when he started – maybe at five years old with the Purple Pounders or something in Miami or something. It’s just football. We’ll cater to what he knows, and play. It’s like any player.

“Any player is like that; the more time you spend with them, the more comfortable they get with any system or relationship. That’s a big part of it, and there’s a big part of that relationship from a quarterback-coordinator, play-caller, position coach where they’re comfortable and there’s a trust.”

Monken’s biggest challenge will be getting the Ravens’ beleaguered passing game revved up. He has a solid track record for success.

This past year,  Georgia averaged an astounding 501.1 yards and 41.1 points per game.  He also helped with the significant strides of Stetson Bennett at quarterback.

Monken has also coached in the NFL, serving as the offensive coordinator for Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2016 to 2018 and the offensive coordinator for the Ravens’ AFC North rival, Cleveland Browns, in 2019.

If Jackson is the quarterback, the Ravens could make strides. Monken contends that Jackson is underrated as a passer.

“He has an elite skill set; it’s obvious when you watch him on film, the things he can do with the football and the plays that he makes,” Monken said about Jackson. “I think he’s underrated as a passer in terms of his ability to make plays and throw it down the field. So, you’ve all seen it. I’m like you; I’m no different than you. I watch what you guys watch, and it’s pretty amazing.”