Ravens owner comments on Lamar Jackson’s lack of urgency

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is set to get a huge contract extension.

If Josh Allen landed a six-year, $258 million contract with the Buffalo Bills, the former Louisville standout can command a comparable amount as he was league MVP.

Likewise, his MVP-level performance last season before getting injured is proof the Ravens better have him in the long run.

But with Jackson already in the final year of his rookie contract, there doesn’t seem to be any rush on his part or the team to begin contract talks.

Right now, he’ll earn $23,016,000 under the Ravens’ fifth-year option and he could easily double that amount once the two sides agree on terms.

If nothing happens, Jackson will be a free agent after this season and any team can have him.

However, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti is not pressing the panic button as there are no developments on this.

He shared his thoughts on Jackson with The Athletic-Baltimore senior writer Jeff Zrebiec.

Asked about the possibility of Lamar Jackson not signing a job. this year, Bisciotti said: “Unless he changes his mind and calls Eric and says I’m ready. But it’s like Eric can’t keep calling him and saying: ‘Hey Lamar, you really have to come here and do this thing.

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) March 29, 2022

Bisciotti said: “Unless he changes his mind and calls Eric [DeCosta] and says I’m ready. But it’s like Eric can’t keep calling her and saying, “Hey Lamar, you really have to come here and do this thing.”

No rush to negotiate with Jackson

The Ravens know it’s best to let Jackson go at his own pace.

Recovering from his injury and getting back in shape will be his priority during training camp.

Likewise, it would be easier to have him at the negotiating table since he does not have an agent.

Once he’s ready, Jackson can just reach out to DeCosta to start the conversation.

Typically, agents have to split their time among multiple clients, which tends to speed up the process.

But with Jackson, they can start extension talks as soon as his schedule and readiness allow.