BALTIMORE — The Ravens are in no rush to sign quarterback Lamar Jackson to a contract extension, and they should be glad he isn’t campaigning for a new deal, too.
Since training camp opened in 2021, I have advocated the Ravens hold off on an extension, and there was nothing this season that would make me change my mind. Until Jackson proves he can handle blitzes and make quick decisions, can win more than one playoff game and become more mature off the field, then the fourth-year quarterback’s deal should remain status quo.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has indicated there is no urgency to meet, but the Ravens have picked up Jackson’s option for 2022. He will make $23 million this season and somewhere between $30 and $35 million in 2023 if they place the franchise tag on him. Of course, his salary won’t be similar to the $43 million Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen made last season when he got a new deal, but Allen has made more progress in the past two years and won more playoff games.
