Steelers Fans Feel Blessed To Just Watch As AFC North Drama Spills Over To The NFC East

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been able to keep themselves out of the drama so far this offseason (knock on wood). Now all the fans can do while waiting for the draft is watch all the antics going on with other teams. One of the biggest stories has been about the Baltimore Ravens and their quarterback Lamar Jackson. 

The Ravens and Jackson have been deadlocked on the issue of his contract since the end of last season. Now Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Jalen Hurts, who just signed a monumental contract, appears to be taking potshots at Jackson.

The Pittsburgh Steelers Are Excluded From The Drama

The Jackson situation feels like it is at a standstill, with neither side seemingly willing to budge at all. Jackson has been saying he wants to be paid commensurate with other quarterbacks including Deshaun Watson $46 million, Aaron Rodgers $50.3 million, Russell Wilson $49 million, and Kyler Murray $46.1 million, just to name a few.  

Hurts' new contract is for five years and is worth $255 million with $110 fully guaranteed. 

💰Jalen Hurts' 5-yr, $255M extension💰

• $110M fully guaranteed.
• $23.294M to sign.
• 2023: $1.01M base.
• 2024: $1.125M base, $38.875M option.
• 2025: $1.175M base, $40.83M option.
• 2026: $1.215M base, $49.875M option.
• 2027: $51M*.
• 2028: $51M*.

*Keep reading 🧵

The situation between Baltimore and Jackson feels to be getting increasingly toxic from the outside. There is frustration on both parts and words like collusion have been used. The fact that Jackson does not use an agent has also come up quite a bit - how much does that hurt him or does it benefit him?

It is possible to see both sides of the issue. Jackson is putting his body, and his health on the line each week he steps onto the field to play. He sees the contracts that other quarterbacks are getting and he wants to be shown that he is valued at the same level. 

On the other hand, many quarterbacks including the Steelers' own Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady while both at the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers take what are considered "team friendly" contracts. These contracts allow the team to keep their superstar quarterback while having the money to sign the weapons they need to get a ring. There are many who feel that Jackson needs to just take a more team-friendly deal to stay in Baltimore. 

The situation in Baltimore is complex. The Ravens and Jackson have gone back and forth regarding contract discussions with both sides saying offers have been made and that the other side isn't ready. In March of 2023, the Ravens used the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson. This temporarily retained him at a guaranteed $32.4 million for 2023, but allows other teams to talk with him. Jackson requested a trade on the heels of this.

Now Hurts has apparently taken a shot at Jackson during a recent press conference in Philadelphia to discuss his new contract. Hurts said there are more important things than money. 

"It takes a village," said Hurts. "Money is nice. Championships are better."

This led frustrated Ravens fans to comment. Many expressed the sentiment that Hurts is surrounded by weapons in Philadelphia while Jackson is not. Perhaps that will change this season with the addition of Odell Beckham Jr. There have also been rumors swirling that the Ravens are interested in signing DeAndre Hopkins too. 

Steelers fans will just continue to sit back and watch the drama unfold until Jackson and the Ravens come to an agreement. 

What do you think about Hurts' comments? Do you agree that it takes a village? Should Jackson take a team-friendly deal? Who do you think is being the stubborn one here - the Ravens organization or Jackson? Tell us what you think! Click to comment below. 

#SteelerNation