### Ravens' GM Eric DeCosta Updates on Lamar Jackson's Contract Talks

The Baltimore Ravens are prioritizing the extension of quarterback Lamar Jackson's contract, and General Manager Eric DeCosta has provided a glimpse into the ongoing negotiations. Speaking on the "BMore Baseball Podcast" with Jerry Coleman, DeCosta mentioned that the discussions have been progressing with meetings held before and after the draft, as well as a recent in-person conversation. According to DeCosta, they're still in the preliminary stages of determining what an extension could look like.

During the 2023 offseason, Jackson signed a landmark five-year deal worth a reported $260 million, with $185 million guaranteed. At that time, this made Jackson the NFL's highest-paid player. Currently, with a $52 million annual salary, he ranks as the 10th-highest paid quarterback. Head Coach John Harbaugh shared his belief that Jackson's future contracts will continue to set new benchmarks in the league.

In March, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen secured a six-year contract extension worth $330 million, of which $250 million is guaranteed. This positions Allen among the highest-paid quarterbacks annually, tied with the likes of Joe Burrow, Jordan Love, and Trevor Lawrence, and just behind the Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott. NFL.com's Tom Blair underscored Jackson's immense value, ranking him as the top veteran deserving of a raise, stressing how crucial Jackson has been in transforming the Ravens into a formidable AFC contender.

Jackson's current contract carries a significant salary-cap hit—$43.5 million in 2025, escalating to $74.5 million over the following two years. This underscores the urgency for a new deal as the Ravens aim to maintain their strong roster. DeCosta highlighted the team's broader strategy to retain its talent, referencing recent extensions like wide receiver Rashod Bateman's three-year deal.

Additionally, Kyle Hamilton is another key player on the Ravens’ extension radar. Pro Football Focus recently ranked Hamilton as the top safety in the league, praising his versatility and complete performance last season. The Ravens’ selection of Malaki Starks in the first round is expected to free Hamilton to play closer to the line of scrimmage, enhancing the team's defensive flexibility.

Fox Sports' Ralph Vacchiano predicts the Ravens might go deep into the season unbeaten, foreseeing them as the last team to lose, with an 11-0 record before facing the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13. This potential historic run would elevate the Ravens to Super Bowl favorites, driving immense interest and viewership.

Meanwhile, T.J. Tampa, a cornerback drafted in the fourth round last year, is expected to bounce back from an injury-impacted season. According to Bleacher Report, Tampa is poised to be a key breakout candidate, potentially becoming a crucial player behind Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, and Chidobe Awuzie.

Overall, the Ravens are navigating pivotal contract negotiations and extensions as they strategize to shape their future while maintaining their position as one of the premier teams in the NFL.