05 June 2023 , 16:09
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Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has revealed that quarterback Lamar Jackson "looks incredible" in their OTAs this summer.
Jackson, 26, has become the highest-paid player in NFL history this offseason after signing a five-year, $260million contract, $185 million of which is guaranteed, to stay in Maryland for the foreseeable future. He will earn $52m per season, which edged him ahead of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who had set a new record only ten days earlier.
As part of the extension, Jackson also netted a $72.5m signing bonus, surpassing what the Dallas Cowboys paid Dak Prescott two years ago in 2021 and setting more NFL history. So far, the 2019 MVP is delivering value in training.
After their OTAs, reporters asked Andrews about Jackson's passing. "Seeing him throw, seeing the way he's seeing the game, his balls are incredible, [and] he's putting the balls on the money," he said. "So, he looks incredible.
"And yes, I think him throwing the ball [more] is a good thing. Obviously, his legs are incredible and special – unlike anybody else – but so is his arm.
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"So, I'm proud of him, and I know he's ready to work and grind and get together and make this team great." The Pro Bowler also said: "I'm extremely happy. Just for everything that's gone down the last two years and all the scrutiny he has been under and how he's handled it.
Lamar Jackson has spoken about running less and throwing more in the offence next season (Getty)"That's not an easy thing to do. It just shows you how strong he is." Andrews also elaborated on the feeling in the camp now that Jackson's future is known. "Just thank God, man (the questions are over)," he said. "It's a lot of stress relief.
"Obviously, [I] have a ton of respect for 'Snoop' [Tyler Huntley] and Anthony [Brown] and the other guys that are here, but, obviously, I've been here with Lamar [Jackson] since Day One.
"There was a lot of uncertainty, [but] in my mind, I never had a doubt, because that's my guy. I'm just happy, man. I'm happy he's here; I'm happy he's here for good. And like I always say, that's my quarterback."
With Jackson on board again, after briefly requesting a trade from the franchise during the spring as contract negotiations dragged on, Andrews is adamant that there is only one goal in mind this year. "Everybody around the locker room is saying Super Bowl," he said.
"I don't think it's Super Bowl or bust. I think it's just Super Bowl, because you don't want a bust mindset. Any year you come in, your mindset is to get to the Super Bowl.
"With the pieces we have, with the defence we have, the offence we have, the new coordinator, everything, [with the] special teams we have, head coach, the whole organization, everything, we have what we need right here. We don't need anything else."