Ravens hope to reach deal with Lamar

The Baltimore Ravens are confident they will sign quarterback Lamar Jackson to a long-term contract despite no deal after two years of negotiations.

“I truly believe Lamar wants to finish his career in Baltimore,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta emphasized Thursday at the team’s 45-minute end-of-season news conference.

Lamar Jackson, 26, completed the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. If a new contract is not completed by March, Baltimore will place the franchise tag on Jackson to prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh also expressed optimism that Baltimore will reach a new deal with the quarterback, agreeing that he is keeping his “fingers crossed and praying.”

“I have every faith that it will get done. Eric wants him here. I want him here. Steve [Bisciotti, Ravens owner] wants him here, and Lamar wants to be here. So it’s going to work out,” Harbaugh stressed.

Without a new deal, the Ravens can keep Jackson in Baltimore for just two more seasons with the franchise player tag.

Eric DeCosta declined to say whether the Ravens would consider trade offers for him. “That’s not something we’re going to talk about at this point.”

Asked if Lamar Jackson would be the Ravens’ starting quarterback in Week 1 of the 2023 season, DeCosta said, “I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t be.”

Lamar Jackson was unable to finish his second consecutive season due to injuries. He missed the final six games this season, including a 24-17 wild-card round loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, due to a sprained anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

DeCosta doesn’t believe Jackson’s absence is related to the fact that he has no guaranteed money beyond this season.

“Lamar was injured,” DeCosta stressed. “His unique style as a mobile, freaky quarterback on the field and having a serious knee injury complicated it. I know he tried to come back.”