With each day that passes without a long-term deal being established, it only puts that much more pressure on both Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens to get something done. Let’s not forget, the longer this drags out, the more eyes they draw in from teams in need of a franchise quarterback.
Much like head coach John Harbaugh, Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta has expressed ample confidence that Jackson will remain a Raven for the foreseeable future. DeCosta provided an update on the current contract negotiations with Jackson, claiming that urgency has been well-kept in mind.
“It’s an ongoing discussion. We both understand the urgency of the situation. It’s been a good dialogue, a good discussion,” DeCosta said. “I’m optimistic and I continue to be optimistic, and we’ll see where it goes.”
Though they say things are going well, it’s hard not to think the contrary. Every day it looks more and more like Jackson may be playing for a new team this fall; they have to put pen to paper as quickly as possible. Being without a franchise quarterback in today’s NFL is not a fun one, and there are plenty of examples to go around: Saints, Panthers, Falcons, Texans, Colts, Raiders, and Jets just to name a few. It’s bad enough that the Ravens have Joe Burrow to deal with, but then there’s Kenny Pickett who looks promising going into year 2, and Deshaun Watson if he can return to form before all the off-field drama.
At least DeCosta seems to be aware of that fact, in his follow-up statement:
“Living in a world without a quarterback is a bad world to live in, and I think there are probably a lot of GMs and coaches who would probably say that who are living in that world right now. We’re aware of that. I think we’ve been blessed since 2008 to have Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson, and my goal is to continue that.”
DeCosta is right, if the Ravens roll the dice and let Jackson walk it might be a long time before they recover.