Report: Ravens, Jackson far apart in extension talks

The Baltimore Ravens have started discussing an extension with star quarterback Lamar Jackson, but the two sides are far apart on a deal, sources told Ben Volin of The Boston Globe.

Baltimore signaled 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.

Jackson has led the Ravens to the playoffs in three consecutive campaigns since 2018. The 24-year-old signal-caller picked up his first career playoff win this past season when Baltimore defeated the Tennessee Titans in the wild-card round. Jackson left the Ravens' divisional loss to the Buffalo Bills after sustaining a concussion and was unable to return.

The former Heisman Trophy winner is coming off a quiet regular season. He passed for 2,757 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2020 after tossing 3,127 yards and 36 TDs in 2019. He also threw nine interceptions this past season after posting six during his MVP campaign.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said in January he is "totally certain" the team will reach a long-term agreement with its franchise passer. Baltimore is also expected to upgrade its receiving corps this offseason to aid Jackson's development. The Ravens' offense struggled through the air in 2020, finishing the year with a league-worst 171 passing yards per game.