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Ravens Understand A Lamar Jackson Extension Will Happen 'sooner Or Later'

PALM BEACH, Fla. — Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Monday that the team has had internal discussions about a contract extension for quarterback Lamar Jackson and believes it's something that will have to happen "sooner or later."

What that extension ultimately looks like, Harbaugh isn't sure. But he certainly has a pretty good idea.

"The value is the top," Harbaugh said at the AFC coaching breakfast during the NFL's annual meetings at The Breakers resort. "When Lamar gets paid, he's going to be the highest-paid player in football, just like he was last time. I think every contract he signs probably until he decides to hang up his cleats, he's going to be that guy."

The Ravens and Jackson, the two-time league MVP and runner-up for that award last season, agreed to a five-year, $260 million contract extension less than two years ago on the eve of the 2023 NFL Draft. There, however, was an understanding that the Ravens and Jackson would probably have to return to the bargaining table in two or three years.

Jackson's $43.5 million hit for 2025 is manageable for a Ravens team that is perennially tight against the cap. However, Jackson's cap number surges to $74.5 million in both 2026 and 2027. That would be close to untenable for the Ravens in trying to build a championship-caliber roster around their star quarterback.

By agreeing to a deal with Jackson in the coming weeks, the Ravens could not only add some immediate and much-needed salary-cap breathing room to help in the construction of their current roster, but they could get ahead of negotiations that will become a necessity next offseason when the player would have a ton of leverage.

"There's been conversations about (a Jackson extension) internally, I know," Harbaugh said. "How far along that is, I don't know. … That's going to continue to have to be addressed, really with all those guys. You just have to kind of manage that dance — the salary-cap dance — and Lamar is the main part of that, because he's the franchise player. That's a possibility. Sooner or later, that's definitely going to have to happen."

The previous negotiations with Jackson two years ago were a major strain on Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta. Jackson represents himself and doesn't have an agent, so DeCosta had to navigate the high-stakes negotiations for a landmark contract with the goal of reaching an agreement that both sides were satisfied with and not offending the face of the Ravens franchise in the process.

DeCosta and Jackson have a strong relationship, but it was certainly tested during the previous negotiations. The tension from the talks peaked when Jackson took to his X account to request a trade just as Harbaugh entered the room for the coaching breakfast during the 2023 annual league meetings.

Several factors, including Jackson being even more entrenched as the team leader and his comfort level with the team's decision-makers, could make the pending extension talks a little easier this time around. One, a sticking point in the last talks was Jackson's perceived desire for a fully guaranteed deal after the Cleveland Browns signed quarterback Deshaun Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract in March 2022. The Ravens' stance was that Watson's deal was the exception rather than an industry trend. Other deals signed by star quarterbacks since have proven the Ravens correct.

Two, the Ravens may have just gotten a blueprint for a potential Jackson deal, thanks to the Buffalo Bills, the team that ended their season in the AFC divisional round in January. Earlier this month, the Bills signed star quarterback Josh Allen, who edged out Jackson to win the 2024 MVP award, to a six-year, $330 million pact that included $250 million guaranteed.

In terms of guaranteed money and total value, Allen is the highest-paid quarterback in the league. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is the highest-paid signal caller in terms of average per year, as he makes $60 million annually as part of his four-year, $240 million pact. Deals for Allen, Prescott, Joe Burrow (five years, $275 million, $219 million guaranteed), Jordan Love (four years, $220 million, $160.3 million guaranteed) and Trevor Lawrence (five years, $275 million, $200 million guaranteed) have all been announced since Jackson's 2023 extension temporarily made him the highest-paid player in the NFL.

If the Ravens are intent on making Jackson the highest-paid quarterback in football, they simply could work off the Allen deal and go a little higher. Whether that would be acceptable to Jackson is unclear. Jackson has said in the past that he knows his value and isn't worried about other quarterback deals.

Asked Sunday about a potential extension for Jackson, team president Sashi Brown deferred questions to DeCosta. However, Brown made clear how much the organization values its 28-year-old quarterback.

"We love Lamar and love to see his progression and evolution as a young man, as a football player and team leader," Brown said.

Asked later about Jackson's value to the Ravens' brand, Brown said, "If I had to come up with one word for it, I'd just say he's been awesome. I think his story of 31 guys being drafted over him, people telling him everything that he couldn't do and coming out and performing well beyond expectations probably that everybody in the world has for him, except maybe him and his mom.

"It's been awesome to watch, and we want to do everything we can to support him and to really cap that story off and bring the Super Bowl trophy back to Baltimore's hands."

The timing for an extension would be fitting. Jackson is coming off arguably the best year of his career. The Ravens had the league's top offense in 2025 statistically, and Jackson set career highs in passing yards (4,172), touchdown passes (41) and quarterback rating (119.6) while throwing only four interceptions. He became the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for over 4,000 yards and run for over 900.

"He works hard, and he's got a growth mindset, and he wants to be better," Harbaugh said. "That's the thing. That's what I love about Lamar Jackson. He just wants to improve all the time. He's never satisfied, and he talks about winning the Super Bowl, and when he wins a Super Bowl — not if, but when he wins a Super Bowl — he's still not going to be satisfied. He's going to want to get another one, and that's just the way he's built."

Harbaugh hit on several other topics during his 30-minute question-and-answer session Monday.

• Despite an offseason of speculation concerning Mark Andrews' future with the team, Harbaugh said he fully expects the standout tight end to be with Baltimore in 2025.

"My plans are that we've got Mark, we've got Isaiah (Likely), we've got Charlie (Kolar), we've got Pat Ricard all in place doing all those jobs," Harbaugh said.

Andrews is in the final year of his contract, and his $16.9 million cap hit is the third highest on the team. Andrews, Likely and Kolar are all entering the final year of their deals, and it would be difficult for the Ravens to extend both Andrews and the ascending Likely.

Andrews turns 30 in September. He's coming off a season in which he had a career-high 11 touchdowns, but he averaged just 39.6 receiving yards a game, his lowest total since his rookie season. His fourth-quarter fumble and drop of a potential game-tying two-point conversion figured prominently in the Ravens' playoff loss in Buffalo.

"Mark is in a good place," Harbaugh said. "He's working really hard. I do fully expect him to be playing for us next year. He's just too good a player."

• A day after Brown said the Ravens were waiting out the NFL's investigation of Justin Tucker, Harbaugh confirmed that the team is doing its homework on the available kickers in next month's draft.

Harbaugh said senior special teams coach Randy Brown has been traveling around and working out kickers. The top available kickers in this year's draft include Miami's Andres Borregales, Florida State's Ryan Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh's Ben Sauls.

The Ravens have never drafted a kicker in franchise history. However, the future of Tucker, who has been accused of inappropriate sexual behavior by 16 Baltimore-area massage therapists as part of an investigative series by The Baltimore Banner, is in limbo.

"We'll look at those guys next week when we get back. Obviously, there are a lot of layers to that whole conversation, but it's something we would have to do no matter what," Harbaugh said when asked about drafting a kicker. "At this point in time, you have to look. You always have to do your due diligence, so we will be prepared to do that on draft day if we feel like we need to and if the right guy is there."

• Harbaugh said an offseason contract extension for running back Derrick Henry is "definitely in the conversation." The 31-year-old back, who rushed for 1,921 yards and had 18 total touchdowns, is entering the final year of his contract. Henry has made clear that he'd like Baltimore to be the final stop in his career.

"I know that's been talked about, and yes, I'd love to see that get done as well," Harbaugh said.

• Despite inside linebacker Trenton Simpson getting benched in December for a combination of veterans Malik Harrison and Chris Board, Harbaugh said he expects the third-year pro to be the starting weak-side linebacker on early downs. Harbaugh did acknowledge the Ravens will need to add a few linebackers ahead of training camp after losing Harrison, Board and Kristian Welch in free agency.

While comfortable that the team has the necessary depth to replace departed starting left guard Patrick Mekari and swing man Josh Jones, Harbaugh also said the Ravens will need to add to their mix up front.

(Photo: Patrick Smith / Getty Images)

Ravens To Celebrate 30th NFL Season In 2025

In conjunction with their "29th birthday" today (Saturday, March 29), the Baltimore Ravens announced the beginning of their 30th NFL year/season by unveiling a commemorative logo, limited-edition merchandise and special upcoming fan engagements.

On March 29, 1996, original owner Art Modell officially named the franchise "Ravens" after a poll in The Baltimore Sun received over 21,000 fan calls supporting the moniker inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. Since their inception, the Ravens have won two Super Bowl championships (2000 & 2012) and have become a unifying force within the Baltimore community.

"Ravens gives us a strong nickname that is not common to teams at any level, and it gives one that means something, historically, to this community," the late Modell stated in 1996.

In recognition of the milestone, the Ravens will host a series of giveaways and sweepstakes in 2025, providing fans a chance to win 30th-season memorabilia and participate in unique experiences. Special-edition merchandise will be available online and at retail stores throughout M&T Bank Stadium, while fans can also expect unique digital and social media content celebrating the team's historical moments. Additionally, new graphics and signage will be displayed at M&T Bank Stadium, and there will be exhibits in the Ravens Mobile Museum that commemorate the 30th season at events and on gameday.

"Our 30th season isn't just a notable milestone for the organization, but a moment to celebrate an incredible journey we've shared with our fans and community," Ravens Senior Vice President of Marketing Brad Downs stated. "We're excited to recall upon the passion, success and fond memories that have brought us to this point, while also looking forward to our future with even greater enthusiasm."

The 2025 season also marks the 25th anniversary of the Ravens' first Super Bowl championship (2000), and fans will notice that each of the franchise's Super Bowl victories (XXXV and XLVII) is featured within the 30th season logo.

Ravens' John Harbaugh Fully Expects Mark Andrews To Remain In Baltimore, Despite Contract Status

PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Mark Andrews had a forgetful end to his 2024 season with a drop-filled showing in the Baltimore Ravens' playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. However, it doesn't appear that will be his final chapter with the organization. 

Speaking to reporters at the 2025 NFL Annual Meeting, head coach John Harbaugh was asked about the status of his tight end, who is entering the final year of his contract. Despite that uncertain status entering a lame-duck year, Harbaugh noted that he fully expects Andrews to be with the club in 2025. 

"We've been in contact, back-and-forth," Harbaugh said Monday morning. "It's not like guys want to hear from me every day, any of them. You know, 'Coach, you called me again?' Mark's in a good place. He's working hard. I do fully expect him to be playing for us next year. He's just too good a player."

Andrews, 29, has spent his entire career with the Ravens after the club selected him in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma. Over his tenure, he's developed into a top-flight player at his position, earning three Pro Bowl nods and a first-team All-Pro nomination in 2021. 

Ravens, head coach John Harbaugh agree to three-year contract extension

Kevin Steimle

Despite that success, his uncertain contract status beyond this season -- along with the presence of fellow tight end Isaiah Likely on the roster as a built-in heir apparent -- has led to speculation about a possible trade this offseason. Harbaugh has since shut that speculation down with his recent comments, and it'll be interesting to see if the two sides try to hammer out an extension to ensure he'll be with the club for the long term. When Andrews inked his four-year, $37.6 million extension with the team back in 2021, that came in early September, so there is some runway for the two sides to negotiate. 

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