Colin Cowherd has delivered a sharp critique of Lamar Jackson, comparing the Baltimore Ravens quarterback to Kawhi Leonard.
The long-time broadcaster questioned both the financial impact of Jackson’s contract and the broader dynamics around his representation.
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While acknowledging his admiration for Jackson’s talent, Cowherd suggested the situation is shifting. His comments were direct.
Photo by Wally Skalij/Getty Images
Colin Cowherd compares Lamar Jackson to Kawhi Leonard
Speaking in a clip shared by The Herd, Colin Cowherd said: “I’ve always been a huge Ravens fan and a big Lamar supporter. The Ravens are done being a Super Bowl bubble team.
“There’s no possible way with what they’re gonna pay. … The Ravens are out of the Super Bowl discussion with this new contract.”
Cowherd added: “I’ve always been a big fan of Lamar Jackson. But between him mom acting as his agent, his refusal to do offseason camps, the mystery injuries, and, let’s be honest, the need to be the highest paid quarterback, … it’s starting to feel like a little Kawhi Leonard. Mercurial, mystery, family too involved maybe.”
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Cowherd framed the criticism around availability, contract structure, and representation. By invoking Leonard, he pointed to concerns about transparency and team-building flexibility.
Colin Cowherd questions Ravens roster flexibility under Lamar Jackson deal
Colin Cowherd further stated: “His current cap hit is $74 million. Let me give you an idea of what that pays in Seattle.
“That would pay for Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Devon Witherspoon, Nick Emmanwori, Grey Zabel, and Demarcus Lawrence. And you’d still have enough money to buy every player a lifetime Starbucks card.”
The figure highlights the scale of Jackson’s financial impact on Baltimore’s books. A $74 million cap hit significantly limits roster flexibility, particularly when trying to build depth around a franchise quarterback.
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Cowherd’s argument rests on the belief that the Ravens cannot remain in the Super Bowl conversation while allocating such a large percentage of resources to one player.
Whether that assessment proves accurate will depend on how Baltimore manages the surrounding roster. For now, the debate around Jackson’s contract has intensified.
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