Ravens GM addresses future of QB Lamar Jackson

It sounds like the Baltimore Ravens believe Lamar Jackson will be their starting quarterback for at least the 2023 season. 

"Lamar is in our plans," Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said during Thursday's introductory news conference for wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., as shared by Jamison Hensley of ESPN. "We're hopeful to still get a long-term deal. He's the right player for this team."

It's been assumed since this past weekend that the Ravens agreed to sign Beckham to a one-year, $15M deal with the idea that doing so could help the club retain Jackson beyond the upcoming campaign. However, DeCosta told reporters Thursday he hasn't spoken with Jackson since coming to terms with Beckham. Meanwhile, Hensley pointed out that Beckham insisted he was given no assurances before putting pen to paper on his contract that Jackson will be his QB1. 

"The goal is to come here and have that possibility with him," Beckham said about potentially featuring alongside the one-time NFL Most Valuable Player. 

The Ravens used the non-exclusive franchise tag to keep Jackson's rights on March 7, and he later made it known via social media that he requested a trade from the team on March 2. He can speak with other clubs about deals, but Baltimore can match any offer sheet he signs or accept two first-round draft picks as compensation.

Thus far, it's believed the 26-year-old who has been negotiating without a representative certified by the NFL Players Association has not yet received an offer to his liking from any other organization. According to reports, Jackson wants over $230M in fully guaranteed money attached to his next NFL contract. 

Jackson and the Ravens have until the July 17 deadline for teams to sign tagged players to reach a long-term agreement. Otherwise, he will find himself on track to play on the tag worth $32.416M for 2023 unless he's willing to sit games out. 

DeCosta hinted last week he could use a first-round pick in this year's draft to acquire a quarterback, but the executive's words on Thursday suggest he has different plans for that asset two weeks before the player-selection process gets underway.