The Baltimore Ravens‘ ongoing contract extension talks with quarterback Lamar Jackson have dominated much of the offseason headlines to this point.
Jackson is set to enter his fifth NFL season playing on his fifth-year option. Despite both sides expressing interest in an extension, no deal has been reached just yet.
And while Jackson stopped short of providing an official update on those extension talks when speaking to the media on Saturday, he did reveal an official deadline for when he would like those talks to commence.
Jackson told reporters that he wants talks to conclude prior to the start of the regular season which gives the Ravens about a month to reach an agreement. If not, any extension talks will be tabled until the offseason, according to Jackson.
Lamar Jackson wants the Ravens to extend him before Week 1
Jackson has previously indicated that he is hoping to be extended sooner rather than later. That said, there has been indication from other sources that the former MVP is more hesitant than he’s suggested.
There are some who believe the Ravens have been eager to get a deal done, partially due to the financial flexibility it would afford them, and that Jackson is the one who’s been hesitant.
In some ways, Jackson might be looking to bet on both himself and the ever-expanding quarterback market. His value might be significantly higher next offseason, especially if he bounces back after a disappointing 2021 season.
If the two sides can’t come to an agreement before Week 1, Jackson will enter the 2023 offseason as a pending free agent. Of course, the Ravens have the option to use the franchise tag, and they likely would if necessary.
The hope is that the Ravens could reach an agreement on extension talks with Jackson at some point, either before or after this season.
For now, Jackson has set his deadline. He doesn’t want contract negotiations to bleed into the regular season. He’s indicated in the past that he doesn’t want his contract situation to be a distraction for the team.
Ultimately, that’s probably what’s best for both Lamar Jackson and the Ravens organization.