Eric DeCosta is optimistic Ravens will extend Lamar Jackson before March

The Baltimore Ravens

remain optimistic that they can secure Lamar Jackson’s long-term future before the beginning of the next league year. General manager Eric DeCosta said Wednesday that he is “optimistic” the Ravens and Jackson can complete a contract extension before March. DeCosta declined to reveal specifics about the negotiations, continuing the approach both sides have used during previous contract discussions.

Jackson does not employ a traditional agent and represents himself, creating a different negotiating dynamic from most major NFL contracts. DeCosta and Jackson communicate directly, requiring both sides to separate difficult business discussions from their daily working relationship. The Ravens encountered the same challenge before

Jackson signed his five-year, $260 million extension in 2023. Those negotiations remained private and lasted longer than anticipated before the sides reached an agreement.

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said he’s “optimistic” about getting a contract extension done with Lamar Jackson before March.

DeCosta declined to go into much detail beyond that, citing the unique negotiations with Jackson, who doesn’t have an agent. pic.twitter.com/WSZG8u7rBL

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 2, 2026

Jackson’s current contract runs through the 2027 season, making an extension important even though he is not approaching immediate free agency. Baltimore restructured the contract during the 2026 offseason, reducing Jackson’s salary-cap figure for this season while pushing a significant financial commitment into 2027. Completing an extension before March would give the Ravens more flexibility when building next season’s roster. It could lower Jackson’s future salary-cap charge, create additional spending room and ensure the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player remains in Baltimore beyond the current agreement.

The Ravens have consistently maintained that they want another championship window with Jackson as their quarterback. While holding enormous leverage, Jackson has expressed a similar desire to remain with the organization that selected him in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

DeCosta’s response does not indicate that an agreement is imminent. It does, however, reinforce that Baltimore sees a deal as achievable and wants it completed before another offseason of personnel decisions begins.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Eric DeCosta is optimistic Ravens will extend Lamar Jackson before March