NFL free agency is always filled with players signing market-setting deals, as well as a fair share of overpays. The Baltimore Ravens have learned that pretty quickly. Not because the Ravens are the ones handing out those lucrative deals, but because these contracts being signed will have a significant effect on their roster.
For example, Baltimore lost their three-time Pro Bowl center, Tyler Linderbaum, to the Las Vegas Raiders. Linderbaum inked a three-year deal worth $81 million, which is unheard of for a center. Another player whose payday could change things for the Ravens is Indianapolis Colts wide receiver, Alec Pierce.
Pierce opened up free agency with a bang, re-signing with the Colts for $114 million over four years. Despite his 2025 breakout, it’s been considered a risky overpay for Pierce. However, for Baltimore wideout Zay Flowers, he should be smiling ear to ear. His price just went up.
Baltimore Ravens are going to have to pay Zay Flowers more than they initially hoped
Flowers is widely considered a better player than Pierce. Both are among the best young weapons in the game, but Flowers has been reaching a different level. He’s gotten better every year, amassing a career-high 1,211 receiving yards in 2025. If he continues that pace, and the receiver market continues to balloon, he’s going to put the Ravens’ front office in a difficult position money-wise.
Of course, Baltimore doesn’t have to worry about Flowers for a while if they accept his fifth-year option. After making two straight Pro Bowls, Flowers’ option is set to be almost $27.3 million for the 2027 season. That’s a lot of money, but it’s cheaper than the salary he would likely be expected to make if he signed an extension today. It’s an easy decision to pick that up before the May 1 deadline.
With Pierce, averaging $28.5 million per year on his shiny new contract, Flowers is on track to near, or even eclipse, the $30 million mark. That’s not even factoring in how the receiver market will continue to grow more expensive as other players put pen to paper on top-of-the-line contracts.
According to Spotrac, Flowers’ market value is set to comfortably surpass Pierce with a three-year, $93 million extension, which includes a $31 million salary. They believe New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson is a good comparison for Flowers' impact and future price point.
Still, Flowers has to continue to earn that money. His first three years have been impressive, but he needs to improve. He’s had some agonizing troubles with drops and fumbles in big-time moments, and fans are hoping to see him shake those bad habits in 2026.
Through it all, Flowers is undoubtedly Baltimore’s number one option and is in the perfect position to take another step under new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. With a very bright future on the horizon, general manager Eric DeCosta must do everything in his power to ensure the 25-year-old sticks around for as long as possible.