Lamar Jackson
Getty
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson attempts to break awy from Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Baltimore Ravens enter free agency, looking to fit key pieces in and around their salary cap. With several free agents on the roster and holes to fill, the team has decisions to make. ESPN insider Dan Graziano offers his take on the situation.
“Baltimore would like to finalize a contract extension with quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has two years left on his deal at $53 million per season. And his salary cap number is set to swell to $74.5 million this year.
As stated in various articles, Jackson’s contract situation holds the key to what the Ravens want to accomplish. Graziano notes that the franchise can alleviate the situation on their own.
“The Ravens have automatic conversion rights in the contract, meaning they can add more void years, convert salary to signing bonuses and knock down this year’s cap number by as much as $38 million — and they don’t need Jackson’s permission to do it.”
This poses a risk because unilaterally making moves that affect Jackson’s money without his input could send a negative signal. Alienating the player that you built the offense around could lead to hurt feelings. If Baltimore does this, it risks disrupting locker-room chemistry. As a result, that affects the on-field.
General manager Eric DeCosta built the team around Jackson, aiming to leverage his strengths. Under those circumstances, he looks to work with the signal-caller on a fair resolution.
Linderbaum Contract Looms Large in Future Plans
Center Tyler Linderbaum will command a large contract. For comparison, Kansas City center Creed Humphrey makes $18 million per season. While the Jackson contract issues may not bear complete parallel to Linderbaum.
Yet, the center-quarterback duo remains an integral part of most offenses. DeCosta mentioned that he offered Linderbaum a “market setting” offer. Yet, the true number didn’t find its way into the light. If Humphrey’s is the standard-bearer, does that mean that the Ravens offered $20 million per year?
Tyler Linderbaum
GettyRavens center Tyler Linderbaum runs onto the field.
Receiving Depth Behind Flowers Remains a Sore Spot
Graziano notes that Rashod Bateman had a rough season. Yet, the numbers make that assertion seem tame. For example. His 224 yards were the fewest of his career. Also, failing to catch 50% of his targets hurts the offense. Baltimore need an outside wideout to spread out the defense. With $37.25 million remaining, the Ravens either need more production or figure out a restructure.
Rashod Bateman
GettyRavens wideout Rashod Bateman celebrates touchdowns.
On the other hand, Zay Flowers will probably earn a sizable raise. First, the team will exercise its fifth-year option. Next, the Pro Bowl wideout and management will seek to negotiate an extension. The fifth-year option grants Baltimore exclusive negotiating rights with Flowers. After three consecutive 70-catch seasons and back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, the leverage sits with Flowers. However, the chemistry with Jackson is the only one the pass catcher knows.
DeCosta’s footing improves with a simple rework. The ripple effect resonates throughout the rest of the team, helping them retain talent. Free agency begins on March 11. With a new coach and new schemes on both sides of the ball, what will the Ravens do?