Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said Wednesday he remains “optimistic” that a contract extension with Lamar Jackson can be completed before the new league year in March, while declining to discuss specifics of the negotiations.
DeCosta offers limited detail but projects progress
Standing at the Under Armour Performance Center, DeCosta twice signaled confidence without revealing terms. “I feel good about it,” he said during a 30-plus-minute news conference, and later added, “We would love to get a deal done as soon as possible.”
DeCosta repeatedly declined to provide details or confirm whether formal talks are under way, saying he “really don’t like to get into the details” and noting a private understanding with Jackson: “I think Lamar and I have a pact, as you all know.” Those comments underscore the public-facing restraint both sides have maintained during the offseason.
Cap mechanics, negotiation timeline and Jackson’s role
The Ravens restructured Jackson’s contract before free agency to create salary-cap breathing room, a move intended to give the team more flexibility under the cap. DeCosta declined to provide further details about the negotiations.
NBC Sports reported the organization has been discussing an extension since January, and noted that Jackson — who represents himself in talks — has made clear he wants a new deal. The self-representation creates what DeCosta described as “a different type of negotiation,” and contributed to the GM’s decision not to disclose additional detail Wednesday.
Jackson has publicly signaled a desire to remain in Baltimore but has consistently declined to discuss negotiation specifics. By all accounts he has built a strong early rapport with new head coach Jesse Minter and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, a factor team officials have pointed to as positive background context for reaching an agreement.
DeCosta framed the timeline plainly: he is optimistic but stopped short of a firm commitment that a deal will be finalized before March. If the sides are unable to reach terms by then, the club would face consequential choices about how to proceed, a scenario DeCosta acknowledged as a possibility without predicting an outcome.
