The Baltimore Ravens typically take a cautious approach during the early stages of free agency. They tend to avoid high-priced bidding wars for top talent. General Manager Eric DeCosta usually focuses on retaining current roster players, maximizing compensatory draft picks, and making targeted, value-driven signings. A good example of this strategy was the one-year deal for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins last spring.
For DeCosta, the strategy prioritizes long-term roster stability over immediate, costly additions. This often means waiting until after the initial wave of free agency to make moves. By being patient, Baltimore enhances its chances of acquiring future draft picks when its own free agents leave.
The process could be used again, especially if the team needs to restructure or agree to a new contract with two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson, who’ll count $74.5 million against the cap in 2026 and 2027, could soon be the league’s highest-paid signal-caller.
Back in June, GM Eric DeCosta confirmed that the Ravens and Jackson had begun preliminary talks on a new deal. That was nine months ago, and as we sit 19 days away from the start of the new league year, there has been no apparent movement or rumors that the organization is nearing a deal with Jackson.
Jackson just completed year three of a five-year, $260 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, signed on May 4, 2023. At the time of signing, $185 million of Jackson’s contract was guaranteed, of which $135 million was fully guaranteed. A guaranteed option was paid out on March 17 last, worth $22.5 million. Jackson’s 2025 base salary of $20.25 million and a $750,000 roster bonus were guaranteed. Because he was on the roster on the 5th day of the 2025 league year, $29 million of Jackson’s 2026 salary will be fully guaranteed. There are $750,000 roster bonuses due on the 5th day of the 2026 and 2027 league years.
Last summer, former sports agent and CBS Sports lead analyst Joel Corry masterfully broke down the leverage Jackson again holds over the franchise, noting that his 2026 and 2027 cap hits are unworkable for the organization.
As of this article, Jackson is the 10th-highest-paid quarterback in the NFL after Brock Purdy’s new contract.
Based on recent trends with Dak Prescott and Josh Allen, Jackson can justify $65.5 million to $67 million per year for a contract extension he signs and with inflation and an adjustment for the 24.2% increase in the salary cap since he signed in 2023, Jackson could command upwards of $64.5 million per year, and he could ask for it to be fully guaranteed.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens are unlikely to be the busiest team on the free agency market
