Ravens and QB Lamar Jackson talking extension

Lamar Jackson remains instrumental in shaping the future of the Baltimore Ravens.

General manager Eric DeCosta said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis that Jackson was vocal in the team's coaching search, and talks about a contract extension are underway.

Jackson, 29, has an NFL-high salary-cap figure of $73.5 million in 2026. An extension with the two-time MVP quarterback, who acts as his own agent, could significantly lower that figure and allow DeCosta to re-sign free agents -- center Tyler Linderbaum is a priority -- or add to the roster in free agency.

"Lamar and I have an agreement," DeCosta said. "We handle business kind of in-house internally. That worked well for us last time and we will continue to have that policy moving forward. Have spoken to Lamar about a lot of different things over the last month. He's been very engaged. He was a big value to us in the coaching search, but we'll continue those conversations moving forward."

DeCosta said the Ravens made a "market setting" offer to Linderbaum and are hopeful he'll return. The Ravens rolled the dice on keeping Linderbaum long-term when they declined his fifth-year option for 2026.

"Obviously he's proven to be, in my opinion, the best center of the league," DeCosta said. "Hopefully we can get something done with him between now and the start of the new league year."

DeCosta said the "trenches" are a high priority on both sides of the ball when free agency begins March 9.

The Ravens hired former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as their new head coach last month, replacing John Harbaugh.