Lamar Jackson and the Ravens: Welcome to the Introductory Stage of Eternal Contract Limbo

Alright, gather ’round Ravens fans and armchair NFL contract junkies. We have arrived at the latest episode in what feels like the never-ending saga of Lamar Jackson’s contract extension talks. Baltimore Ravens GM Eric DeCosta just dropped a bombshell that’s simultaneously thrilling and maddening: the team is in the “introductory stage” of extension talks with their superstar QB. That’s basically fancy corporate-speak for “we might talk about paying him more one day maybe if we feel like it.”

Let me back up for those who aren’t on speed dial with the Ravens front office. Lamar Jackson is no ordinary NFL quarterback. The dude carved an MVP trophy out of pure electricity and sheer willpower not once, but twice (2023 and 2024 seasons). The guy’s legs are a blur, his arm a rocket launcher, his swagger borderline criminal. When he signed his last deal, it was a historic five-year, $260 million contract—enough cheddar to make even the most stoic sports agent drool.

And yet. Here we are, in the middle of 2025, and the GM talks about introductory stage talks. Introductory? Like they’re about to invite him to the team Halloween party and maybe, just maybe, buy him a slice of pizza? Bruh, what?

“Introductory Stage” — AKA Contract Limbo, Population: Lamar

DeCosta went full HR on us during the BMore Baseball Podcast. He said, verbatim (at the 7:45 mark for the eager Twitch speedrunners): “We’ve had some conversations, before the draft, after the draft, in person last week. I think we’re in the introductory stage of looking at what an extension might look like.”

Translation: The Ravens and Lamar’s people have talked a bit, maybe sipped some coffee, exchanged pleasantries, but no contracts are being drafted, no champagne bottles popped, no champagne corks flying through the air like Lamar scrambling all over the field.

That intro babble is both reassuring and infuriating. Reassuring because the dude isn’t being ignored (yet). Infuriating because how does this introductory stage last longer than my college degree? Lamar’s still got three prime years left on his fat $260 million deal—but every NFL fan knows that when you’re a top-tier QB and your contract isn’t extended halfway through, there’s usually some behind-the-scenes drama, Freddy Krueger-level sleepless nights, and maybe some passive-aggressive tweets.

Ravens Playing the Long Game (or Trying to, at Least)

DeCosta didn’t exactly spill all the beans. But he did get all sage-y about wanting to keep “as many good players as we can” over the next several seasons. Which sounds nice. Like a “We’re a family” sentiment from a family that still fights over the last slice of pizza.

Specifically, the Ravens want to keep their roster filled with “prolific players” who can hang around town long enough to keep the parade marching and the Super Bowl trophy nearby. That’s smart management, but all the while, it feels like the looming Lamar extension—tentatively being tossed around in the “introductory” echoes of meetings past—is the swinging guillotine over the team’s future.

Not to mention, the pressure is real. The NFL quarterback market is hot enough to fry eggs on the surface. Just look at other QBs like Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, or Josh Allen cashing in with deals north of $70 million per year. Lamar’s deal, while monster-sized when signed, is currently ranking less competitive in annual average salary, which theoretically could push Baltimore to cough up even more if they want to keep their franchise QB happy.

The Stats Don’t Lie, and Lamar’s Lighting It Up Still

Since signing that massive contract, Jackson hasn’t slowed down. In fact, he’s been a pure terror on the field. This season alone, his rushing stats rank him among the highest for a QB in league history. He’s surpassed Michael Vick’s career rushing yards record for a quarterback—yeah, that Michael Vick—turning Lamar not just into a passer but an absolute dual-threat ninja on the gridiron.

This guy isn’t just playing; he’s rewriting what it means to be a quarterback.

But NFL contracts? Oh, those are a different creature—finicky, political, and loaded with salary cap gymnastics that even the savviest of fans don’t fully grasp.

Implications of the Waiting Game

Here’s the kicker: What does “introductory stage” actually mean to a team rocking one of the NFL’s brightest stars? It means the Ravens are playing it safe… maybe a little too safe. While they’re chatting, other teams might be licking their chops, the draft looming, and fans getting antsy that the money dance might come too late.

We’ve already seen other top offensive players like wide receiver Rashod Bateman and running back Derrick Henry get new contracts. Jackson, arguably the backbone of this team’s offensive identity, is still waiting on that phone call to step it up.

Is this patience a masterstroke of negotiation? Or a sign the Ravens are hedging bets in a cautious market? Could they be worried about Lamar’s injury history? Or are they trying to build a prolonged dynasty by locking in stars methodically? All valid questions, but for fans, it’s hard not to feel like the window to capitalize on Lamar’s prime is ticking louder with every unreturned call.

What It Means for Ravens Nation

Ravens fans, buckle up. We’re in for a wild ride, where hope and frustration are tangled together like Lamar’s signature scramble moves.

The good news: The team has acknowledged Lamar’s importance and is having talks—a good sign from a franchise with a reputation for loyalty and careful planning.

The bad news: “Introductory stage” sounds like an extended shot-call period that may drag on, creating uncertainty for a team aiming for another Super Bowl push.

And the real kicker? Lamar Jackson deserves a deal that matches his impact—a contract that screams, “We believe in you for the long haul.” Anything less is a tease, a tease worthy of a soap opera marathon.

So, what’s next? More talks, probably more cryptic interviews, and maybe some frantic agent-side emails while the Ravens aim to keep their MVP happy and their future bright.

Until then, Ravens fans will just have to watch, wait, and pray that this “introductory stage” doesn’t turn into the offseason’s new Kryptonite.

For the record, if the team doesn’t lock Lamar in soon, my blood pressure might break the NFL’s medical scanners.