BALTIMORE — It’s uncertain whether the window for contract negotiations between the Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson is open or closed, but the team should shut it.
The status of the negotiations can’t be determined because coach John Harbaugh has gone underground since the Ravens were eliminated from playoff contention by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the regular-season finale, and general manager Eric DeCosta keeps waiting for Harbaugh to resurface before he graces the media with his presence. The Ravens have done the same thing with Jackson.
Now they should shut down negotiations with the fourth-year quarterback and allow him to play under the fifth-year option they picked up last offseason that will pay him $23 million in 2022. If he continues to improve and leads the team deep into the playoffs, then the Ravens might want to offer him a multi-year deal.
