Ravens GM sounds frustrated with Lamar Jackson contract talks

Lamar Jackson is set to enter the final season of his rookie contract in 2022. He is in line for a monster contract extension, and the Baltimore Ravens are ready to talk. In fact, it sounds like the Ravens are wondering why the sides have not been talking more.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta seemed to hint at some frustration with the lack of progress on a Jackson extension. Asked about it Wednesday, DeCosta said it “takes two sides” to formulate an extension. He added that the Ravens would be happy to sort things out whenever their quarterback is ready.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta on contract talks with Lamar Jackson: "I think it takes two sides to actively put their heads together and get a deal worked out. We are ready to be there for Lamar at any point. When he decides that he really wants to work on it, we will be."
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) March 2, 2022
There is one major complicating factor in Jackson’s extension talks that is probably an issue here. Jackson has chosen to represent himself and is going without an agent. That was a factor in why Jackson did not get a deal done during the season, no matter how much the Ravens wanted to.
Josh Allen has pretty much set the market on contract extensions for the 2018 class of quarterbacks. Jackson should be able to negotiate a huge payday whenever he sits down to do it. The Ravens definitely hope that will be soon.
Photo: Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) reacts against the Las Vegas Raiders during Monday Night Football at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports