Ravens' DeCosta still optimistic team can re-sign Lamar
Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta is still optimistic that the team and quarterback Lamar Jackson can agree to a contract extension.
"Lamar and I are talking. We met recently," DeCosta said at the NFL combine Wednesday. "It's an ongoing discussion. We both understand the urgency of the situation; it's been a ... good discussion. I'm optimistic ... We'll see where it goes."
However, DeCosta wouldn't rule out placing the franchise tag on Jackson.
"There's a couple different situations that can go. There's a couple different franchise tags," the 51-year-old said. "We're hopeful that we'll get a deal done with Lamar before that happens. ... We've got four, five, or six different plans based on what happens over the next 10 days."
The exclusive franchise tag would block Jackson from negotiating a contract with another team and allow the Ravens to trade him if they can't agree on a long-term deal. The non-exclusive tag would allow other teams to negotiate with the 26-year-old and ensure Baltimore would receive two first-rounders if Jackson left. The deadline to apply either tag is March 7.
DeCosta added: "You can't win in this league without a strong quarterback. I mean, that's been proven. So, we want Lamar here, we think he's one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He's certainly one of our best players, and we want him back."
The longtime Baltimore executive further acknowledged the importance of the quarterback.
"Living in a world without a quarterback is a bad world to live in," he said. "I think there's a lot of GMs and coaches who would probably say that, who are living in that world right now. We're aware of that. I think we've been blessed since 2008 to have Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson, and my goal is to continue that."
DeCosta also acknowledged that the team needs to improve at wide receiver, regardless of who lines up under center. When asked about the team's issues at that position, he openly admitted, "If I had an answer, that'd probably mean I have some better receivers," per the Baltimore Banner's Jonas Shaffer. He added that the Ravens will "keep swinging" at receiver in the draft.