Ravens GM Signals Confidence in Reaching New Deal with Jackson by March
Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta told reporters Wednesday he is optimistic about finalizing a contract extension with quarterback Lamar Jackson before March. Jackson's current five-year, $260 million deal runs through the 2027 season. The two-time MVP has led the Ravens to the playoffs in six of his eight seasons.
DeCosta's Wednesday comments mark the first public timeline for a new Jackson deal, with March serving as a self-imposed target date. Jackson's current contract, signed as a five-year, $260 million extension, still has two seasons remaining, giving the Ravens some flexibility but also creating urgency to lock down their franchise quarterback before the final year of his deal approaches.
Jackson enters his ninth NFL season with a decorated résumé: two MVP awards, four Pro Bowl selections, and three First Team All-Pro nods. His consistency has been remarkable, as Baltimore has reached the postseason in six of his eight campaigns, making him the clear centerpiece of the franchise's long-term plans.
This contract negotiation could shape the NFL's quarterback market for years, as Jackson's next deal may set a new benchmark for player compensation. Fans in Baltimore and across the league may see ripple effects in roster construction, ticket pricing, and salary cap management. The timeline DeCosta outlined could also influence how other teams approach extensions for their own star players, potentially accelerating or delaying similar negotiations league-wide.