Ravens GM On Lamar Jackson Contract Extension: 'We're Willing To Try'

From the Things That Aren't Shocking Department comes the news that the Baltimore Ravens are hoping to lock up dazzling quarterback Lamar Jackson to a long-term contract.

But right now, the sides aren't close to a deal, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta admitted to reporters.

“Lamar and I have had a couple of talks," DeCosta said. “We did spend some time together a few weeks ago and that went really well. We haven’t really gotten into the actual contract proposals, negotiations, things like that. It was more of a general conversation about a lot of different things — the team, Lamar, just how we were going to go about a negotiation like this. There’s definitely some different moving parts that make this different than a lot of other negotiations we’ve done."

DeCosta added that when the time is right, the Ravens like their chances of an extension for Jackson.

"I think from our perspective it hasn’t changed from what I said postseason, which is Lamar is a really important part of the team. He’s a leader. He’s an outstanding player," DeCosta said. "He’s a foundational type of guy for this organization. I really think he loves the organization."

Jackson has already won an NFL MVP during his three seasons. Overall, he has compiled a 31-10 record. With Jackson, the Ravens are a regular threat to reach the Super Bowl.

"I think he’s very appreciative of the organization and our stance in different things, and we’re confident and committed to try and get a long-term deal done," DeCosta said. "Hopefully, we can get that done at some point in the near future. It may take a little time, but we’re willing to try.”