OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens are still trying to reach an agreement with Lamar Jackson for a contract extension, but negotiations are happening at the pace dictated by the quarterback.
Jackson’s contract situation was the main topic discussed at a press conference by team general manager Eric DeCosta.
The most valuable player to his team in the NFL in 2019 will spend the fifth and final season under his contract in 2022. This option year will earn him $ 23.02 million.
DeCosta fielded questions about several of his team’s shortcomings during his first scrum since his team’s elimination, but no issue has captured more attention than Jackson’s case.
The quarterback is one of the few NFL players who does not have conventional agent representation, which can make negotiations more complex. Nothing suggests that a new agreement is imminent.
“It’s a different negotiation because we talk to the player directly. I would never publicly reveal the contents of a private chat with a player, DeCosta explained.
“All I can say is that Lamar and I have had five or six conversations over the past year about his contract. I think we are going at his pace and he is comfortable in this situation. »
Jackson was drafted 32nd overall by the Ravens in 2018 and has since gone 37-12 as a starter on the season. He racked up 9,967 yards through the air, including 84 touchdowns. He had 31 interceptions in four seasons.
Jackson has appeared in just 12 games this season due to illness and an ankle injury. He completed 246 of 382 pass attempts for 2,882 yards, with 16 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He collected 38 sacks, the most of his career.
“I think he feels there’s still work to be done,” DeCosta said. He wants to win the Super Bowl, we share the same vision. I think Lamar knows he can come see me or call me anytime. »
The Ravens struggled with several injuries last season and went 8-9. They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017.