Ravens GM Eric DeCosta 'Optimistic' Over Lamar Jackson Deal

The Lamar Jackson contract standoff is still ongoing, but Ravens GM Eric DeCosta is hopeful a deal can be agreed.

Lamar Jackson and his contract situation is still front of mind for the Baltimore Ravens. 

For some, with each passing day that a new deal isn't agreed upon, the chance of Jackson staying in Baltimore diminishes, along with its ability to do business. But general manager Eric DeCosta remains positive that the organization and its quarterback can come to a positive solution.

"It's an ongoing discussion," DeCosta said. "We both understand the urgency of the situation. It's been a good dialogue, a good discussion. I'm optimistic and I continue to be optimistic, and we'll see where it goes."

That sounds positive, but most know this "saga" still has a long way to go. No doubt Jackson being his own agent on this deal complicates things somewhat, but more is needed to deter the Ravens from trying to secure Jackson long-term.

And...

DeCosta is under no illusions about what life could be without Lamar.

"You can't win in this league without a strong quarterback. That's been proven," DeCosta said. "We want Lamar here, we think he's one of the best quarterbacks in the league and he's certainly one of our best players. We want him back.

​"Living in a world without a quarterback is a bad world to live in, and I think we've been blessed since 2008 to have Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson, and my goal is to continue that."

The goal, of course, is to extend Jackson, but that leads many to question that if Baltimore wants Jackson that badly, then why hasn't a deal already been agreed?

There is still a long way to go in this standoff, and with the franchise tag deadline of March 7 fast approaching, the Ravens and Lamar are running out of time to get a long-term deal done.

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