After losing to the Cincinnati Bengalsin the Wild Card game of the 2023 NFL playoffs, the Ravens are officially in offseason mode. The biggest question heading into next year, of course, revolves around the future ofLamar Jackson.
Contract talks between the 2019 NFL MVP and Baltimore have stalled, with the team reluctant to meet Jacksonās high demandsāwhich reportedly consist on a five-year, fully-guaranteed deal.
Thissituation is obviously the biggest talking point around the Ravens, which is why head coach JohnHarbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta talked about it in a press conference.
Ravens HC John Harbaugh says Lamar Jackson wants to stay in Baltimore
ā100%. 200%. Thereās no question about it. Lamar Jackson is our quarterback,ā Harbaugh said when asked if he wanted Jackson to be the Ravens quarterback in the years to come, via Ravens InsiderSarah Ellison.
āEric [DeCosta]wants him here. I want him here. Steve wants him here. Lamar wants to be here. Itās going to work out,ā Harbaugh continued. With Greg Roman no longer as the teamās offensive coordinator, Harbaugh added that Jackson will be involved in the selection of the Ravensā new OC.
Ravens GM addresses contract talks with Lamar Jackson
While Harbaugh opts to be optimistic aboutJacksonās future with the team, general managerEric DeCosta was also realistic about the current situation. The Ravens may have big plans, but first they have to reach an agreement with the QB.
āOur relationship with Lamar Jackson is fantastic. Now, you can say, āWell, whatās it like negotiation?ā Thatās a challenge. Because thatās a business relationship. ⦠But that doesnāt affect our feelings for each other,ā DeCosta said. āI told Lamar, āHey, this has been a burden for both of us. But when this thing is over, we are going to feel like a million bucks.'ā
The uncertainty around Jacksonās future has obviously led to plenty of speculation, including his possible destinations in the event he wants out ofBaltimore. DeCosta, however, refused to talk about potential trades.
āThatās not something weāre going to talk about at this point,ā DeCosta said. āI talked to Lamar today, and our focus is right now is to get a long-term deal done. Thatās our singular focus.ā





