Ravens GM: Extension talks with Jackson 'ongoing'

The Baltimore Ravens are still discussing a potential extension for star quarterback Lamar Jackson, general manager Eric DeCosta said Monday.

"(Extension talks are) ongoing, that's definitely a fluid thing," DeCosta told reporters. "Lamar and I have had a discussion about that. I think it's important to us, and it's important to him. I think Lamar is obviously a very patient guy. He wants to be the best he can be, he wants this team to be the best it can be, and he wants to win very badly. So we're aligned that way.

"I'm confident that we'll continue to discuss this, and I think at some point hopefully we'll have some good news for everybody."

Jackson and the Ravens reportedly began negotiations in February, but the two sides were previously far apart on a deal.

DeCosta noted the salary cap implications of extending a signal-caller quarterback, but he's prioritizing talent over money.

"We understand that if we do sign a long-term deal with Lamar Jackson, that's going to change the way we've operated over the last couple of years," he said. "We certainly understand that. We look at that as a great problem to have. We aspire to that type of problem. We want to have a franchise quarterback."

Baltimore indicated its intention to sign the 2019 league MVP to a new deal following the 2020 season. Jackson's current contract will pay him $1.7 million in 2021, and the Ravens can exercise their fifth-year option to retain his services in 2022.

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