Lamar Jackson Not Currently Focused On New Contract?
Much has been talked about recently regarding Lamar Jackson and the lack of traction on a new contract being worked on between him and the Ravens. As many have noted, the former MVP himself is seen as the main reason an extension doesn’t appear to be forthcoming in the immediate future. 
[RELATED: Latest On Ravens’ Jackson Extension Efforts]
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports that Jackson may not be eyeing a new deal at any point leading up to or during the upcoming campaign. As he writes, the 25-year-old “has told the Ravens that he’s currently too focused on having his best possible year and that he doesn’t want to do a deal until the 2022 season is over”. That would shed further light on the growing sense within the front office that a new contract isn’t on the horizon.
Adding to the comments recently made by owner Steve Bisciotti, Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network further details the perception of Jackson’s current priorities. The former’s thoughts on the matter echo the source Florio references above.
“It’s unique as hell because everybody expects you to say, ‘I’ve got to get mine now.’ The kid is so obsessed with winning a Super Bowl that I think, deep down, he doesn’t think he’s worthy” of a lucrative second contract, Bisciotti said. “I don’t think he is turned on by money that much, and he knows it’s coming one way or the other.”
Jackson made a public response to the speculation swirling around his future earlier this week. The two-time Pro Bowler is scheduled to make $23MM this year, and would be in line for sizeable raises after that if he were to play on the franchise tag. While it’s rare for franchise QBs to go that long without a long-term pact, Kirk Cousins represents a recent example of that being the case.
While the Ravens have repeatedly made it clear they are willing to put together a new contract whenever Jackson is ready to do so, putting a healthy return to the field and both individual and team success first would seem to be his top priority at this time. If that remains the case, one of the league’s most unique contract situations may remain in a holding pattern for quite some time.
Jets, Ravens Meet With Kayvon Thibodeaux; DE’s Stock Still Dropping?
Kayvon Thibodeaux has gone from potential No. 1 overall pick to a player who has generated considerable scrutiny during the pre-draft process. The Oregon edge rusher may now fall out of the top 10.
The three-year Ducks defensive end is expected to be drafted outside the top five, per ESPN.com’s Matt Miller, who adds a drop out of the top 10 would not shock (ESPN+ link). A half-dozen scouts informed Miller Thibodeaux did not impress in Combine interviews with their respective teams, which echoes a report last month indicating a draft tumble might ensue for the talented sack artist.
Effort level has come up regarding Thibodeaux’s status as a prospect among front office personnel and scouts, Miller adds. Thibodeaux recorded three sacks in seven Oregon games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, one that saw other NFL-bound Ducks opt out. Last season, Thibodeaux suffered a sprained ankle in September and finished with seven sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Certainly not poor numbers, but Thibodeaux’s junior-year production has not offset the concerns about his motor and attitude.
The Jets, who hold two top-10 picks, met with Thibodeaux this week, ProFootballNetwork.com’s Tony Pauline tweets. So did the Ravens, who hold the No. 14 overall choice. All 32 teams had staffers in Eugene, Ore., for Thibodeaux’s pro day this week, Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy tweets. Lions GM Brad Holmes joined six other Detroit staffers there, with Nagy adding the Lions and Seahawks each sent seven representatives to the pro day. Thibodeaux, whom Scouts Inc. grades as this year’s seventh-best prospect, is the only Ducks player expected to go in Round 1.
The Lions have a need on the edge, but Georgia’s Travon Walker has generated some buzz to be drafted ahead of Thibodeaux. Rising after a strong Combine showing, Walker has been linked to the Jaguars at No. 1 overall. That would make Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson a natural fit in Detroit. Thibodeaux looms and stands to have plenty of motivation going into his rookie season, but he may have to wait a bit to hear his name called.
Latest On Ravens’ Pernell McPhee, Jimmy Smith
The Ravens roster is still taking shape and John Harbaugh isn’t sure whether two of his veteran defenders will return. When asked about the status of edge rusher Pernell McPhee and cornerback Jimmy Smith, the head coach couldn’t say whether they’d stick in Baltimore, head elsewhere, or even retire.
[RELATED: L. Jackson: “I Love My Ravens”]
“I have (talked to them), but I think it’s for them to say what their plans are. I’ll leave that to them,” Harbaugh said (Twitter link via Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic).
No matter what McPhee does, it’s likely that the Ravens will be reworking their edge group. Outside linebacker Tyus Bowser could be on his way out after a year of porous pass coverage capped by a torn Achilles. Fellow pass rusher Justin Houston is also a free agent, which means that the Ravens are likely to prioritize the position in the draft.
Smith, 34 in July, has spent his entire career in Baltimore. Since 2011, he’s suited up for 128 games with 90 starts, registering 14 interceptions, three sacks, and 374 career tackles. While he’s been a staple of the secondary, his production has clearly slipped with time. He’s also earned more than enough money to walk away, so it’s possible that he’ll move on to new endeavors this offseason.
Both players are out of contract and free to sign anywhere, but we’ve haven’t heard much about either vet in recent weeks.
Lamar Jackson: “I Love My Ravens”
When it comes to his next contract, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens still have a ways to go. However, even though negotiations haven’t gained much momentum, the quarterback says that he remains committed to the only pro team he’s ever known.
[RELATED: Ravens Extend Head Coach John Harbaugh]
“I love my Ravens,” Jackson tweeted on Wednesday. “I don’t know who the hell putting that false narrative out that I’m having thoughts about leaving stop tryna read my mind.”
Unlike other elite QBs, Jackson hasn’t been super aggressive in pushing for an extension. That’s why owner Steve Bisciotti isn’t so sure that Jackson will ink an extension between now and the fall.
“Unless he has a change of heart and calls Eric and says I’m ready. But it’s like, Eric can’t keep calling him and say, ‘Hey Lamar, you really need to get in here and get this thing done,’” Bisciotti said recently.
Jackson’s latest comments are consistent with what he’s said all along — he wants to stay in Baltimore and build towards a Super Bowl ring. The Ravens, meanwhile, could look towards the franchise tag to cuff him beyond his fifth year.
“Kirk Cousins did it that way. What if Lamar says that? I’ll play on the fifth-year, I’ll play on the franchise, I’ll play on another franchise and then you can sign me,” Bisciotti said. “That might be the case, but I don’t talk to Lamar. It’s not my role. I don’t know the answer.”
Cousins turned his prolonged drama with the Commanders into multiple franchise tagged season followed by record-breaking guarantees with the Vikings. If Jackson were to go that route (and perform as a top-tier QB) he could net an unprecedented fortune now that Deshaun Watson has signed a $230MM fully guaranteed contract.
Latest On Ravens’ Lamar Extension Effort
Employing a quarterback who has largely not pushed for an extension, the Ravens continue to move toward an unusual place. Speaking with reporters for the first time in years, Steve Bisciotti is not certain Lamar Jackson will be extended before the season starts.
The longtime Ravens owner put the ball in Jackson’s court, indicating the fifth-year passer has not gone to GM Eric DeCosta and said he wants to proceed seriously on an extension. Jackson has said he wants to be a Raven for the rest of his career, but the self-represented QB made those comments during the 2021 offseason. No momentum has emerged toward an extension, despite talks beginning in April of last year.
“Unless he has a change of heart and calls Eric and says I’m ready. But it’s like, Eric can’t keep calling him and say, ‘Hey Lamar, you really need to get in here and get this thing done,'” Bisciotti said of the prospect of an extension occurring this offseason, via The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec (on Twitter).
[RELATED: Ravens Extend John Harbaugh]
The Ravens not extending Jackson before his fourth season pushes him toward Dak Prescott and Kirk Cousins territory. The latter used two franchise tags as a path out of Washington. Jackson has a longer road to completing Cousins’ strategy, with the fifth-year option delaying a potential two-tag route. Although the Ravens’ contract-year QB would not make it to free agency until 2025 via the Cousins blueprint, Bisciotti offering up a Cousins comparison Tuesday is certainly notable.
“Kirk Cousins did it that way. What if Lamar says that? I’ll play on the fifth-year, I’ll play on the franchise, I’ll play on another franchise and then you can sign me,” Bisciotti said, via ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley. “And that gives me three years to win the Super Bowl so you can make me a $60MM quarterback, because that’s where it will be four years from now.
“That might be the case, but I don’t talk to Lamar. It’s not my role. I don’t know the answer.”
Cleveland’s Deshaun Watson contract has drawn scrutiny among owners and various personnel execs at this week’s meetings, CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora notes. It may change the game for quarterbacks. Watson’s off-field issues did not stop the Browns from greenlighting a fully guaranteed $230MM contract. This will certainly come up in every quarterback’s negotiation for the foreseeable future.
Cousins saw his first Vikings contract fully guaranteed four years ago, but Watson’s guarantee dwarfs that three-year, $84MM deal. The Ravens might not be ready to follow the Browns’ new QB blueprint. Jackson, 24, is two years younger than Watson and has the former Texans QB matched in Pro Bowls, with three. The 2019 MVP award stands as a rather key bullet point on Jackson’s resume as well, though the run-centric signal-caller’s style injects more risk into this equation for both sides. The issue of longevity stands to be part of these talks.
“It’s like, ‘Damn, I wish they hadn’t guaranteed the whole contract.’ I don’t know that he should’ve been the first guy to get a fully guaranteed contract,” Bisciotti said, via Zrebiec (Twitter links). “To me, that’s something that is groundbreaking, and it’ll make negotiations harder with others. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to play that game, you know? We shall see.”
Teams with franchise QBs on the extension radar — like the Cardinals, Broncos and Bengals — will be monitoring the Ravens’ Jackson actions. For what it’s worth, Harbaugh remains confident (video link) Jackson will be extended. The recently extended HC has expressed this confidence for over a year. No Jackson extension or restructure by Week 1 will mean he starts the season on a $23MM fifth-year option salary.
Ravens Sign John Harbaugh To Extension
The Ravens will continue their John Harbaugh partnership for a while. The rumored extension for the longtime Baltimore HC came to fruition Tuesday. Steve Bisciotti announced Harbaugh has signed a three-year re-up, per The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec (on Twitter).
This is Harbaugh’s fifth extension since he joined the Ravens in 2008. Harbaugh, 59, was entering a contract year; he is now signed through the 2025 season. With Sean Payton moving on from his Saints post, Harbaugh will enter the season as the NFL’s third-longest-tenured HC.
While the Ravens stumbled down the stretch last season, tumbling out of the playoff picture thanks to a six-game losing streak, Harbaugh has been one of the NFL’s steadier leaders since taking over. Baltimore has ventured to nine playoff brackets under Harbaugh, who has taken the team to three AFC championship games and secured the franchise’s second Super Bowl title nine years ago. He will enter the 2022 season with 137 wins (27th all time) and a .609 win percentage (33rd all time).
Baltimore’s only two losing seasons under Harbaugh came when his starting quarterback missed significant time. Prior to Lamar Jackson missing games to close out this past season, Joe Flacco suffered a torn ACL during the 2015 campaign. During the Flacco-to-Jackson transition year, uncertainty emerged regarding Harbaugh’s Baltimore future. Jackson’s late surge in that 2018 season helped Harbaugh off the hot seat, and he has not been connected to potentially losing his job since.
With Harbaugh locked down, focus can now shift to Jackson’s contract. Harbaugh has repeatedly said the former MVP will land a long-term extension from the Ravens, but no reports have indicated the sides are particularly close on a deal.
Ravens Submit Offer To LB Bobby Wagner
MARCH 28: The Ravens have made an offer for Wagner, one Josina Anderson of USA Today notes the team believes is “very competitive” (Twitter link) compared to the Rams’ effort. Baltimore is pitching Wagner on being a key cog for a defense already housing notable veterans, a group that now includes Marcus Williams.
MARCH 25: Bobby Wagner continues to survey an active market. After his Rams visit, the future Hall of Fame linebacker trekked to Baltimore for a Ravens meeting Friday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter).
The Ravens possess “high interest” in Wagner, per Fowler. Wagner has been connected to mostly NFC teams thus far. The Rams, 49ers, Cardinals, Broncos and Cowboys have been linked to the 10-year veteran, though Dallas — despite Wagner and Dan Quinn‘s offseason conversations — is not expected to be a top player here. The Broncos have been mentioned as a suitor as well, with Russell Wilson attempting to recruit his longtime teammate.
Baltimore and Los Angeles reside next to one another in terms of cap space, with the Ravens holding just more than $10MM and the Rams sitting at barely $8MM. Neither team has a notable veteran off-ball linebacker contract on its books. Josh Bynes, a 12-game Baltimore starter last season, is a free agent. The Rams are not big on veteran inside linebacker contracts, given their big-ticket deals at higher-priority positions, but Wagner’s pedigree has GM Les Snead considering an exception.
Wagner, 31, has made the past eight Pro Bowls and is one of the few six-time All-Pros in linebacker annals. He is one shy of Raven cornerstone Ray Lewis‘ seven, though Wagner reached six quicker than the first-ballot Hall of Famer did. The Seahawks made him a cap casualty hours after trading Wilson, severing ties with the franchise’s Super Bowl cornerstones. Despite missing a game, Wagner recorded a career-high 170 tackles last season. The longtime Seattle middle ‘backer has missed just three games in the past seven seasons.
The Ravens devoted a sizable chunk of their offseason funds to Marcus Williams, who signed a five-year deal worth $70MM, and are targeting defensive linemen. But gauging Wagner’s market certainly is not out of character here. The Ravens have not been shy about acquiring proven veteran defenders under Eric DeCosta, having added 30-something Pro Bowlers in Calais Campbell and Justin Houston in recent years and signed ex-Wagner teammate Earl Thomas.
Ravens Targeting Defensive Linemen
While the Ravens have already made a notable move in free agency with the addition of safety Marcus Williams, they have needs along the defensive front. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, d-line is the next area of focus for the team through the remainder of free agency. 
[RELATED: Ravens’ DL Wolfe Considering Retirement]
Fowler notes that Calais Campbell – who is an unrestricted free agent – could still return to the Ravens. On the other hand, though, he reports that there is “leaguewide interest” in the 35-year-old. In two seasons in Baltimore, Campbell has recorded 77 tackles and 5.5 sacks. After nine seasons with the Ravens, nose tackle Brandon Williams is also a UFA.
Fowler names Michael Brockers as a potential Baltimore target, given that he could be a cap casualty. Brockers looked to be signing with the Ravens in 2020, but issues related to his medicals led to the deal falling through. The team then pivoted to Derek Wolfe, who had a productive first season with the team but missed all of 2021 due to injury.
As Fowler notes, help in the edge rush department is also a need for the Ravens. They looked to have a deal in place to re-unite with Za’Darius Smith, but he ultimately ended up signing with the Vikings. With most of the pass-rusher market having dried up, many expect the position to be a priority during the draft.
The Ravens currently have just under $11MM in cap space, so at least one notable signing along the front seven is possible. Given the current situation the team faces, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they make a move in the near future.
Ravens Meeting With Arden Key
The Arden Key tour continues. On Wednesday, the free agent defensive end will meet with the Ravens (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo). 
[RELATED: Ravens To Meet With R. Green]
Key, a 2018 third-round pick of the Raiders, spent three seasons with his original team, starting in ten of his 37 games. He fell out of favor over time, however, and wound up getting released last year Yannick Ngakoue and Quinton Jefferson made their way to Las Vegas.
Key stayed local, moving on to the 49ers on a one-year deal. The change of scenery served him well as he recorded a career-high 6.5 sacks, plus 22 stops, five tackles for loss, and one pass defensed while playing in all 17 games.
The Niners used Key as a supporting piece, but other teams may consider giving him a chance at the starting lineup, depending on how the rest of the offseason goes. In addition to the Ravens, the Jaguars and Lions have also checked in with Key — they likely see him as a supplement to their incoming rookie class, which will likely feature some big-name DEs.
The Ravens are also meeting with Rasheem Green today, a Seahawks free agent who is also coming off of a strong platform year.
Ravens To Meet With Rasheem Green
The Ravens are set to meet with Rasheem Green (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). We haven’t heard much about Green in recent weeks, but the former Seahawks defensive lineman could be on the verge of finding a new home.
[RELATED: Seahawks To Re-Sign Penny]
Green enjoyed a career year in 2021 with 6.5 sacks, nearly doubling his previous career total. He also added to his highlight reel by turning a blocked XP into a two-point conversion against Washington. No longer a seat warmer, Green started in 16 of his 17 games and showed himself to be one of the most impactful defenders in Seattle.
That’s the kind of production the Seahawks were hoping for when he fell to them in the third round of the 2018 draft. In his last year on campus, the USC product was deployed mostly as a defensive tackle, but he still managed ten sacks for the Trojans.
After losing much of his 2020 to injury, Green put it all together last year as he notched 34 quarterback pressures. He also proved his versatility, moving from defensive end to defensive tackle to outside linebacker whenever needed. Green won’t turn 25 until May, so teams like the Ravens believe that he has plenty of room to grow.