Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta is confident that he can reach a contract extension with Lamar Jackson, who has been a "very engaged" participant.
Just like the last round of negotiations three years ago, DeCosta and Jackson have an agreement not to divulge details of negotiations between the two sides.
But the Ravens general manager was optimistic when speaking with reporters Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
"I have spoken with Lamar about a lot of different things over the last month," DeCosta said. "He's been very engaged. As I said, he was a big value to us in the coaching search. But we'll continue those conversations moving forward."
DeCosta was asked if he's confident the Ravens will work out a deal with Jackson.
"I am. I am," DeCosta said. "I definitely am."
Jackson is scheduled to have a $74.5 million salary cap figure the next two seasons, which would currently be the league's second-highest number in 2026 and third-highest in 2027.
If the two sides reach an extension before the start of free agency as desired, that would give the Ravens more spending power to bring back their own free agents or pursue others. However, DeCosta pushed back when asked if it's a "big domino" in their free agency plans.
"Not necessarily," he said. "I think we never have as much cap room as we'd like to have, but we feel like we can start at the beginning of the new league year and conduct business."
According to OvertheCap.com, the Ravens currently have just over $22 million in cap space, ranking in the middle of the pack (16th) in the league.
DeCosta was also asked whether he expects Jackson to participate in Organized Team Activities as the Ravens retool their attack under first-year Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle.
"Those are voluntary," DeCosta said. "Lamar is a two-time MVP. I think he knows what it takes to get ready for the grind of the NFL season. He's proven that he can do it at a very, very high level. I have no preference."
