Odell Beckham comforts Lamar Jackson after painful Ravens loss
The Baltimore Ravens had the best record in the NFL. They got the first seed in the AFC, and a clear path to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 2012. But a disappointing offensive performance against the Kansas City Chiefs got in the way, and the Ravens lost 17-10. It was a […]
The Baltimore Ravens had the best record in the NFL. They got the first seed in the AFC, and a clear path to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 2012. But a disappointing offensive performance against the Kansas City Chiefs got in the way, and the Ravens lost 17-10.
It was a particularly underwhelming game for quarterback Lamar Jackson. After an impeccable season that led him to his second First-Team All-Pro selection — and that will probably lead to his second MVP award —, Jackson had a touchdown and an interception, finishing the game with a 75.5 passer rating.
In the final moments of the AFC Championship Game, after Patrick Mahomes had taken a final knee, the frustration on the Ravens sideline was obvious. And veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was seen comforting Lamar Jackson.
After all, it's not an easy moment for the passer — he's gone through so much in his career, answered so many questions, and this has been his best chance of reaching the Super Bowl so far. It was so close, so the feeling might obviously be tough to handle.
Relationship
The addition of Odell Beckham Jr. was important for the Ravens on multiple levels. In the AFCCG, he had three catches for only 22 yards, but his importance to the locker room was also a big factor — and Beckham's signing sent a big message right before the Ravens agreed to the Lamar Jackson long-term extension.
Throughout the season, Lamar and Odell grew closer, and both players are leaders on the team.
Future
In the NFL, it's impossible to keep a roster from one year to the other. And Odell's future is far from a guarantee. In April, Beckham signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Ravens, which means he's slated to be a free agent in March.
However, there are good reasons to believe that Baltimore will find a way to keep Beckham. His production was decent, even if not great, and his leadership was a big positive factor.
Moreover, if his contract voids, the Ravens will have to handle an $11.068 million dead money. If they re-sign him, this value keeps prorated — a $2.767 million hit in each of the next four seasons, plus whatever the Ravens pay Beckham in 2024.
It was a tough moment for the Ravens, and Lamar Jackson clearly wasn't happy about his performance. But he and Beckham shared a beautiful moment, and this is something to build on for the future.
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