Dozens of media members packed into the Indiana Convention Center on Wednesday as Ravens normal supervisor Eric DeCosta fielded questions. The first he obtained was about Lamar Jackson. So was the second. And the third.
DeCosta stated he just lately met with the staff’s star quarterback and that he’s “optimistic” the Ravens and Jackson will comply with a long-term contract. Coach John Harbaugh echoed the boldness. “I’m really hopeful and excited, fervently hopeful,” he stated.
As they spoke, the clock ticked nearer to Tuesday, the deadline for the Ravens to put Jackson beneath the franchise tag, which might give the 26-year-old a contract for subsequent season however present little stability.
It’s a rickety basis for the face of a franchise to be on.
Meanwhile, all 32 NFL groups are gathered in Indianapolis for the NFL scouting mix. Many search an elite quarterback and can be greater than prepared to supply draft picks to the Ravens and a hefty contract to Jackson to draw the dynamic playmaker. The staff’s future with Jackson is murky, however within the coming weeks, it’ll turn into clearer in a rush as league deadlines strategy and demand motion.
“There’s no bigger question right now and no bigger decision,” DeCosta stated. “There’s no bigger challenge for this organization moving forward than this contract. So all of my effort — well, most of my effort — is focused on this. I would say the rest of it is focused on the draft and free agency.”
Free company begins in two weeks and the draft takes place in late April. By that time, the Ravens can have a a lot better image of Jackson’s future in Baltimore — if there’s one.
Asked if he’s thought a lot concerning the potential of the Ravens shifting on with out Jackson, Harbaugh stated, “not very much.”
“As little as possible, for sure,” he stated. “Our plans are for Lamar.”
Jackson has been eligible for a contract extension for 2 years and but, right here issues stand, approaching the buzzer and not using a signed deal. The Ravens are caught in a holding sample as they need to resolve Jackson’s contract dispute earlier than shifting on to another objects of offseason enterprise. DeCosta acknowledged that the state of affairs “does kind of create a little bit of a haze as to what the future’s going to look like with your roster.”
The would-be profitable contract is the key story of this NFL offseason. If the Ravens and Jackson are unable to hammer out an eleventh-hour deal, they’re anticipated to put the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player beneath the franchise tag. They may use the unique tag, paying him about $45 million for the following yr and stopping different groups from signing him, or they may use the nonexclusive tag, paying him about $32 million however leaving the likelihood open for different groups to supply him a deal. If the Ravens selected to not match a rival’s provide in that situation, Baltimore would obtain two first-round picks as compensation for shedding Jackson. DeCosta didn’t say which tag the Ravens would use.
Then, there’s the potential of a commerce — which followers of opposing NFL groups crave; different normal managers might be balancing their time scouting in Indianapolis with packaging a deal for Jackson. However, DeCosta didn’t wish to focus on trades.
“I covet great players. And I love Lamar,” he stated.
DeCosta declined to touch upon particulars of his negotiation with Jackson, who has reportedly sought a totally assured contract, saying that he and Jackson have an settlement to maintain particulars of the negotiations between them.
Although the Ravens are anticipated to tag Jackson by Tuesday, that in all probability gained’t finish negotiations. The sides may come to an settlement earlier than a July 15 deadline.
But time just isn’t on the Ravens’ facet. If they tag Jackson, there’s a probability he’d be unwilling to play (different stars have sat out when positioned beneath the one-year tag, wanting an extended contract), which would depart Baltimore and not using a beginning quarterback. Their choices then turn into: Sign a quarterback in free company, draft one or play backup Tyler Huntley (a restricted free agent) because the starter.
With free company and the draft approaching, it might behoove the Ravens to have a decision to their negotiations with Jackson sooner slightly than later. Despite his said optimism {that a} deal shall be finalized, DeCosta stated the staff is “preparing for every contingency.”
Jackson’s future with the Ravens has been hazy since he and the staff didn’t signal a contract forward of final season and it’s remained so within the months since. As deadlines loom, although, it’s about to get loads clearer.
Before DeCosta fielded a dozen Jackson-related questions from reporters Wednesday, he opened his remarks with a quote from considered one of his favourite books, “Where The Wild Things Are.”
“Let the wild rumpus begin,” he stated.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com
