Lamar Jackson of the Ravens is taking on the risk of suffering an injury that would prevent the Ravens from using the franchise tag on him in 2023, which would make it nearly impossible for him to land a market-level deal in free agency. The fifth and final year of Jackson's rookie deal has $23 million in guaranteed money and no further guarantees.
Lamar Jackson should have a good insurance plan, hopefully.
Jackson would be wise to carry insurance, as many other players have done. It's not apparent if he does.
There are numerous varieties of policies and safeguards. None are inexpensive, and some players have had significant problems when trying to pay out.
Jackson will need to make the choice on his own as he won't have an agent to help him find the right coverage and choose the best policy.
He might decide it's too pricey. He might determine that there are too many exceptions and gaps in the policy. He can simply choose to take a chance and hope for the best.
Whatever he decides, it's another another circumstance in which he must comprehend the available possibilities and come to a thoughtful and well-reasoned conclusion. I hope he has, for his own sake.
Varieties of policies and safeguard
And certainly, there is a possibility that even a catastrophic accident won't hinder his ability to make money. Dak Prescott, the Cowboys' starting quarterback two years ago, injured his ankle but still received a hefty contract from the team. (Dak did, however, have insurance.)
Of course, presuming that the contract pays out greater than $100 million in full guarantees at signing, with perhaps much more in injury guarantees, Jackson could already have a sizable deal from the Ravens. That would eliminate the need for disability insurance.
A disability policy is essential in the absence of a long-term agreement. I hope Lamar has one, for his sake.
