Lamar Jackson In No Hurry to Sign a Deal?

I can’t bury the lede today. On Wednesday afternoon, at the NFL Combine’s Press Conferences, GM Eric DeCosta once again addressed the ongoing contract situation with QB Lamar Jackson.

GM Eric DeCosta on Lamar Jackson’s contract: pic.twitter.com/5iYFCibJ7t

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 2, 2022

DeCosta’s statements have led many to believe that Jackson isn’t particularly keen to work on a contract yet. Entering his fifth season, that has to be a concern. As Baltimore’s GM noted, the team “will work at Lamar’s urgency” moving forward.

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta on contract talks with Lamar Jackson: “I think it takes two sides to actively put their heads together and get a deal worked out. We are ready to be there for Lamar at any point. When he decides that he really wants to work on it, we will be.”

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) March 2, 2022

I’ve stressed the importance of extending Jackson greatly in these weekly pieces, but hearing that the signal-caller isn’t champing at the bit could indicate three things: 1) The quarterback isn’t especially happy playing in Baltimore; 2) The Ravens haven’t put an offer on the table worth signing; 3) Jackson is betting on himself to improve in his last year under contract.

My hope is that it’s the final option there, but I have my doubts considering Jackson’s playing style. He has to know that he is naturally more susceptible to injury than others at his position.

In addition to this update on Jackson’s contract, DeCosta pointed out that winning a championship in this day and age hinges so much on the QB position, highlighting that the 2000 Ravens team likely couldn’t play the same way now.

Eric DeCosta said in today’s NFL, it would be very hard to win a championship like the Ravens did in 2000. It’s a quarterback-driven league.

— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) March 2, 2022

Despite that, the Ravens have reportedly engaged in early negotiation talks with DL Calais Campbell, a stalwart of the defensive unit over the past few seasons.

Really glad that the Ravens have been in contact with Calais Campbell and are hopeful that they can bring him back

Even entering his 15th NFL season, he’s still a very high-level player

— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) March 2, 2022

I love this, as Campbell may be the veteran presence that an evolving defense that is sure to grow younger will need. Without Campbell, there aren’t many veterans in the front-seven to lead the unit. Even aside from the defense, the former Miami Hurricane is a leader for this entire team, and his absence in 2022 would leave a big void.

Speaking of Ravens leaders that call The U their alma mater, check out this fun clip of Ray Lewis provided by NFL Films:

Will never be another. 1 of 1. https://t.co/K2n9xggCUD

— Spencer N. Schultz (@ravens4dummies) March 2, 2022

Lewis was always an electric player in this league, but he was truly the heart and soul of Baltimore. The Ravens have missed players like him since his retirement, and even though Campbell has been a strong leader in his time here, the team still lacks that passion in my opinion.

Though there is obviously only one Ray, I’d like DeCosta to bring in a similarly fiery leader this season, whether that’s through Free Agency or the NFL Draft.

With the Draft in mind, analyst Charles Davis offered his thoughts on who Baltimore could select with their first-round pick come April:

Draft analyst Charles Davis gives his take on who could be good first-round options for the Ravens. pic.twitter.com/DMm9BMsV1x

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 2, 2022

Davis highlights OT Trevor Penning, EDGE David Ojabo, and S Jalen Pitre as a second-round candidate. I like each of these players, but if it were between Penning and Ojabo, I’d lean toward the pass rusher.

We saw how lethal pass rushes can blow up games throughout the playoffs, and though having bookend tackles is critical too, the way this draft stacks up tells me Baltimore could get a starting RT in Round 2. I’ve done yet another Mock Draft to prove that.

In all honesty, this Mock Draft worked out like a dream. The Ravens get an elite EDGE prospect to place opposite Odafe Oweh, but also nab Bernhard Raimann, a player with immediate starter potential to protect Jackson.

With two of their biggest needs covered in Rounds 1 and 2, DeCosta has the agency to go best player available without any concern in Round 3. What better player to take there than WR John Metchie III? With Metchie, the Ravens get a stud downfield threat with slot capability, but also get elite depth in the event Hollywood Brown does not return after his rookie contract is up.

Later in the Draft, the Ravens here two more potential starters in LB Quay Walker and G/C Alec Lindstrom, while adding defensive depth in CB Bryant, S Cross, and IDL Ridgeway. Finally, Baltimore gets rotational offensive weapons in receiving back Rachaad White and jack-of-all-trades/master-of-none TE Cole Turner.

For me, this is the perfect Draft scenario for the Ravens – what are your thoughts?

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