Lamar Jackson was a restricted free agent ahead of the 2023 season and seemingly had every opportunity to leave the Baltimore Ravens before agreeing to a five-year, $260 million deal with the franchise.
While a number of teams expressed interest in the 2019 MVP, it appears franchises were hesitant to pull the trigger and offer the veteran a deal due to concerns about his past injuries and possible futue injuries, per The Athletic's Dianna Russini.
Additionally, some teams "had gripes over guaranteeing money in his contract," Russini added.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter reported that Jackson wanted a fully guaranteed deal after the Cleveland Browns gave Deshaun Watson a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.