It's only training camp but Ravens are already working to extend core players

With training camp set to begin next week for the Baltimore Ravens, the team still has some work to do. This offseason, they secured contract extensions with Ronnie Stanley, Derrick Henry, and Rashod Bateman and then restructured Marlon Humphrey's contract.

There are some extensions they need to finalize with key players. General Manager Eric DeCosta knows that these contracts must be done as soon as possible, including superstar players like their franchise quarterback and superb safety. With training camp next week, they could look to sign those players during this next month before Week 1.

Ravens Looking To Sign Key Players Before Season

The Athletic's Ravens insider, Jeff Zrebiec, listed the players the Ravens will look to sign before the start of the season. To start, Zrebiec mentions the importance of Baltimore extending Lamar Jackson. Obviously, with the quarterback market the way it is, signing Jackson is a top priority to set the market and open up cap space for the team. Zrebiec says it would be "nearly impossible" for the team to keep the core of the team if Jackson isn't extended before the new league year in 2026.

Jackson is under contract through 2027, and his cap number is scheduled to rise from $43.5 million in 2025 to $74.5 million for 2026 and 2027. Jackson is coming off a big season and won his second NFL MVP two years ago. Of course, he is not the only player Baltimore looks to extend.

Zrebiec also says that the team also "figures to make a push" to extend tight end Isaiah Likely, Tyler Linderbaum, and Kyle Hamilton. Likely is a free agent after the 2025 season, and Mark Andrews is also a free agent after the year. Baltimore sees Likely as the future of that position, and many around the league see him as a feature tight end.

Hamilton is considered the best safety in the NFL and one of the best defensive players. Baltimore loves to keep its core defensive players, so Hamilton is due for a big payday. Linderbaum has manned the middle of the Ravens' offensive line since his rookie year and has been a solid presence both in the running game and in the passing game. After re-signing Stanley, keeping Linderbaum would be a significant plus for Baltimore, as it would help the offensive line stay together.

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