Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta told everyone Wednesday he’s “optimistic” a contract extension with quarterback Lamar Jackson will get done before March. That’s right, “optimistic.” You’d think after talking since January, there would be more than just optimism, but hey, this is Lamar we’re talking about.
The Long, Strange Trip of These Talks
These negotiations have been a saga, no joke. Talks have been going down since way back in January, and it’s crystal clear that Jackson, who’s famously his own agent, absolutely wants a new deal. DeCosta himself repeated the “optimistic” line, saying he “feels good about it,” via video from Jamison Hensley of ESPN. But don’t go looking for details. The GM shut that down fast. He’s not spilling the tea on specifics, pointing to the totally unique situation with Jackson. “I really don’t like to get into details,” DeCosta said. “I’m not going to talk about it specifically. I think Lamar and I have a pact. As you all know , I’ve said it probably 50 times , we’re not going to talk about business publicly. It’s a different type of negotiation, because it’s a different type of negotiation with Lamar.” When you hear that fifty times, you know it’s a tight ship they’re running, or trying to.
The Looming Numbers and What’s At Stake
Let’s talk money, because that’s what this all boils down to, right? Jackson’s current contract is a five-year, $260 million monster, and it still has two years left on it. But here’s the kicker, the one that’s probably keeping the Ravens’ brass up at night: he’s got an $84.340 million cap hit barreling down on them for 2027. Eighty-four MILLION. That’s a massive chunk of change to plan around if you don’t have long-term clarity. Think about it, the dude was the highest-paid player in the NFL back in 2023 when he signed that deal, with an annual average of $52 million. Now? That $52 million has him sitting 11th in the league. Eleventh! The market moves fast, and suddenly, the once-record-setting deal looks, well, not so record-setting anymore compared to the new guys. This isn’t just about getting a deal done; it’s about making sure your two-time MVP feels valued and secured for the long haul, especially with that kind of cap hit hanging out there.
So, DeCosta is feeling “optimistic” about getting this extension for Lamar Jackson sorted out before March. With that monster 2027 cap hit on the horizon and these “different” negotiations, you know every single step matters. The clock is ticking for the Ravens to nail down their franchise QB and avoid letting this unique situation become a full-blown crisis. You gotta wonder if “optimistic” is enough when it comes to an $84.340 million decision.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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