Urgency Level for Signing Top Contract Extension Candidates
The Ravens recently took care of a major piece of business by signing running back Derrick Henry to a two-year contract extension, and more extensions could be on the horizon.
The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec identified more than a dozen players who are extension candidates. Here’s a look at four, along with Zrebiec’s comments on the urgency level of getting a deal done:
QB Lamar Jackson (signed through 2027)
“Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh acknowledged this offseason that the organization has discussed a new deal for Jackson. How aggressive the Ravens have been is unclear. General Manager Eric DeCosta is resolute about not revealing the nature of his talks with Jackson. Whether the Ravens extend Jackson now or wait until next offseason, a new deal is necessary in the next 10 months. It needs to become an organizational priority.”
S Kyle Hamilton (signed through 2026)
“The Ravens picked up the fifth-year option on Hamilton, hoping that’s a precursor to an extension. Hamilton has said he’s in no rush to get an extension. Still, each new safety deal around the league drives Hamilton’s price even higher. He’s almost certainly going to be the highest-paid safety in football. It’s just a matter of when.”
C Tyler Linderbaum (signed through 2025)
“There’s always the franchise tag if the Ravens can’t extend Linderbaum over the next 10 months, but that would be prohibitive. After not picking up his fifth-year option, the Ravens are on the clock if they want to extend Linderbaum, and they say they do. The price of top centers is clear. There shouldn’t be ambiguity here.”
DT Travis Jones (signed through 2025)
“Jones isn’t a priority in the same way as guys such as Linderbaum or Hamilton. However, he could be the perfect example of a ‘year early rather than a year late’ guy. If he takes a big step in his fourth season, he’s going to cost so much more.”