The fallout from the failed Maxx Crosby trade has been a hot topic for the Ravens this week, but there's another storyline that demands our attention. General Manager Eric DeCosta recently shed light on the team's decision to restructure Lamar Jackson's contract, a move driven by time constraints in their extension talks.
It's no shocker, really. The Ravens and Jackson have a history of drawn-out negotiations.
Remember the 2023 deal? That was a saga in itself.
During a grievance hearing last year, DeCosta revealed that their talks were hindered by communication issues, notably Jackson's claim of a broken phone microphone. Without an NFLPA-certified agent, Jackson's direct negotiations have often hit snags.
Securing an extension for Jackson is a top priority for the Ravens. DeCosta emphasized this back in January after parting ways with coach John Harbaugh, noting that a new deal would free up resources for re-signing key players and pursuing big acquisitions.
Owner Steve Bisciotti echoed this urgency, stressing the importance of having Jackson's contract sorted before free agency. He expressed hope that Jackson would collaborate with DeCosta to avoid another prolonged negotiation.
While DeCosta remains tight-lipped about the specifics, it's evident the Ravens are eager to finalize a deal. Bisciotti suggested that Jackson might be open to a contract similar to his 2023 deal, albeit with a higher annual figure.
Currently, Jackson's contract averages $52.5 million annually. Although he was once the highest-paid player, he's now slipped to tenth on the quarterback list. With Dak Prescott leading the pack at $60 million, Jackson is eyeing $62 million per year.
It's a straightforward math problem: plug in the new number. Jackson's existing deal pays $104 million over two years. A three-year, $186 million extension would result in a five-year, $290 million package, with a new-money average of $62 million and a total average of $58 million from signing.
The real sticking point is the guarantees. How many years will be fully guaranteed?
Previously, Jackson sought a fully-guaranteed contract like Deshaun Watson's. Is that still the case?
With the prime window for a new deal now closed-and players like Isaiah Likely, Tyler Linderbaum, and Patrick Ricard moving on-the Ravens' urgency might seem reduced. But Jackson, representing himself, will eventually refocus on football. If a deal isn't reached before the next league year, Jackson's path to unrestricted free agency looms, thanks to a no-tag clause in his contract.
DeCosta remains optimistic about reaching an extension, underscoring its importance for both sides. The Ravens face two possibilities: secure a new deal with Jackson, or watch him earn $104 million over the next two years-or $102.5 million if he misses parts of the offseason program-before potentially hitting the open market.