The Baltimore Ravens are coming off what many have argued to be a disappointing season. For all of the success Lamar Jackson and his team enjoyed in the regular season, it was met with a cold dose of reality in January.
The Ravens failed to reach the AFC Championship game, indicating an overall decline. However, while it was still a monumentally successful season for Jackson overall, was it enough to get contract extension talks underway?
Ravens GM Reveals Which Stage Lamar Jackson’s Contract Negotiations Are In
Speaking on the “BMore Baseball Podcast” on June 4, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta addressed whether Jackson was in line for a new extension.
“We’ve had some conversations before the draft, after the draft, in person last week,” DeCosta said. “I think we’re in the introductory sort of stage of looking at what an extension might look like.”
He didn’t appear to describe the conversations in detail. Were they just mentioned in passing, or did Jackson’s party sit DeCosta down to tell him what they wanted?
At this point, things appear to be only in the conceptual stage. Of course, with another round of contract negotiations on the horizon, long-time Ravens fans might remember how painfully slow things materialized last time.
Jackson’s Contract Situation Leaves Years of Runway for Negotiations
Last time around, Jackson’s contract was the battlefield covered around the NFL. It was a slow, arduous process that most agree took far too long and too many twists and turns. At one point, Jackson was even invited to attempt to find another team under particular rules in 2023 as negotiations hit turbulence, per FOX Sports.
This time, Jackson’s contract situation doesn’t have as much pressure or drama associated with it. Heading into his previous negotiation, the Ravens had reason to worry about Jackson’s long-term ability to remain healthy and productive.
Michael Vick famously ran out of gas much earlier in his career than a typical quarterback, and as one of the only players comparable to Jackson, the Ravens quarterback carried that risk. The Ravens seemingly have little reason to take those fears into this negotiation this time.
According to Spotrac, Jackson still has all of 2025 and 2026 to play before losing his financial shield against getting released by the Ravens. Even after 2026, Jackson is locked up through 2027 but loses his financial protection with the team.
The Ravens and Jackson have two years to work through the talks. If things go into 2027, the pressure will be back on, but until then, there is seemingly little reason to rush things.
Will Jackson get locked up before things take a turn?
