INDIANAPOLIS — One of the most dynamic players in the NFL regardless of position, Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson is ultimately in line for a blockbuster contract extension as one of the highest-paid passers in the league. That time isn’t right now, necessarily, but it is approaching. And the Ravens and Jackson are expected to eventually hammer out a huge deal. General manager Eric DeCosta spoke about Jackson’s contract at the 2022 NFL Combine.
Will the Ravens offer Lamar Jackson a contract extension?
Jackson doesn’t have an agent and relies on advisors as well as his mother to consult with, and he does have a good relationship with Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. DeCosta expressed optimism that something will materialize at some point.
Perhaps Jackson will command the kind of huge payday that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes ($45 million annually) and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen ($43 million annually) have already earned.
“I hope so, at some point we will,” DeCosta said when asked about his hope to strike a deal with Jackson this offseason. “I think we’ve discussed this at length. I said this before, we will work at Lamar’s urgency. He and I have had ongoing discussions, we’ve talked very recently as well.
“He knows how to find me. I know how to find him. I was very happy to see him working out on the West Coast recently with our guys. That’s exciting.”
Jackson’s career so far
Jackson, 25, a former first-round draft pick from Louisville, is four years into his $9.471 million contract. The Ravens picked up Jackson’s $23 million fully guaranteed fifth-year option for 2022.
He passed for 2,882 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions last season as injuries to him and the entire team impacted his production. He also rushed for 767 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The Ravens know what Jackson is capable of — electrifying performances. They are willing to bank on that future.
“I think that will help us be the very best team we can be,” DeCosta said. “He’s a guy when we think about the Ravens three, four, five years from now, we envision him being a very, very big part of our team and definitely a player that can win Super Bowls.”
DeCosta said the team is ready to negotiate whenever Jackson is ready to come to the table.
“I think it takes two sides to actively put their heads together and get a deal worked out,” DeCosta explained. “We are ready to be there for Lamar at any point. When he decides that he really wants to work on it, we will be.”