LAMAR JACKSON NEWS

Grading the 2021 NFL Draft: AFC North report cards

Rob Rang grades the AFC North draft classes, giving Baltimore high marks and thinking out loud about Cincy's choices.

MAY 5, 2021

Gets more help at WR Offensive coordinator Greg Roman says the Ravens have built a more balanced attack around Jackson after adding WRs Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace in the 2021 NFL Draft, Clifton B...

Impact When an NFL offensive coordinator discusses 'balance', he's usually referring to establishing a run game to complement the pass. In this case, it's the other way around, with Jackson (among others) expressing frustration at the increasingly predictable nature of Baltimore's offense. The drafting of Bateman (first round) and Wallace (fourth) was preceded by the signing of Sammy Watkins, but the Ravens did also take a big hit this offseason when they traded star OT Orlando Brown to the AFC rival Chiefs. Roman expects Jackson and the rest of the passing game to take a "big step" forward this year, noting that he plans to make more schematic changes than he did last offseason.

MAY 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Bills pick up Allen, Edmunds 5th-year contract options

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds are staying around for at least two more seasons

MAY 3, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Patient Ravens get players they 'targeted' on Day 2 of draft

The Ravens have stayed patient in this year’s NFL draft

MAY 1, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Gets fifth-year option The Ravens are picking up the fifth-year option on Jackson's rookie contract, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Jackson is now scheduled for a $23.016 million base salary in 2022, though it's guaranteed for injury only. The option gives Baltimore more leverage in negotiations on a long-term contract, which seems to be the ultimate goal for both parties. Offseason additions Rashod Bateman and Sammy Watkins give Jackson the best receiving corps he's ever had, while the Ravens' offensive line looks shaky for the first time in his young career.

APRIL 30, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Ravens pick WR Rashod Bateman, LB Jayson Oweh in first round

The Ravens bolstered their beleaguered passing attack by selecting Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman with the 27th overall pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night

APRIL 30, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Could Lamar Jackson and other young QBs be in line to be replaced?

Lamar Jackson's future with the Ravens seems secure. But could talk of teams saving money on QBs signal a broader trend?

APRIL 28, 2021

In line for fifth-year option Coach John Harbaugh said the Ravens are expected to pick up the fifth-year option on Jackson's rookie contract, Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Impact With an MVP award and two 1,000-yard rushing seasons under his belt through three years with Baltimore, Jackson is poised to get a payday sooner rather than later. If the Ravens make the aforementioned move by May 3, his contract will be $23.1 million in 2022, but the team also may want to lock him up long-term in the near future, as has been intimated this offseason. Jackson has a new weapon in the passing game via free agent Sammy Watkins, and the Ravens may also use draft capital to improve the receiving corps, which would give Jackson a good chance to surpass 3,000 yards through the air for the second time in his career this fall.

APRIL 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Ravens look to boost passing attack through NFL draft

The Ravens had the NFL’s top rushing attack but were ranked last in passing in 2020

APRIL 23, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Browns exercise QB Mayfield, CB Ward's contract options

The Cleveland Browns have exercised the fifth-year option on quarterback Baker Mayfield’s rookie contract

APRIL 23, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Ravens will target wide receivers, edge rushers in draft

GM Eric DeCosta is looking to boost the Ravens’ passing attack that ranked last in the NFL in yards per game and attempts

APRIL 22, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Baltimore's Lamar Jackson looks to be the next $40 million man

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is next in line for a huge payday. Is the one-of-a-kind playmaker worth $40 million per year?

APRIL 10, 2021

Raiders agree to extension with LT Kolton Miller

The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a contract extension with left tackle Kolton Miller that will keep him locked up through the 2025 season

MARCH 30, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Gets new wideout Jackson has a new option in the passing game with Baltimore's recent addition of Sammy Watkins, Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Impact Baltimore missed out on the top-of-market receivers, instead bringing in Watkins after two weeks of free agency. The signing isn't likely to revolutionize the Ravens offense, but Watkins should at least pose more of a downfield threat than Willie Snead, who recently left Baltimore to sign with Las Vegas. While Watkins now joins Marquise Brown and Mark Andrews as the Ravens' main receiving threats, Jackson could get another weapon from the NFL Draft at the end of April.

MARCH 30, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Ravens adding wide receiver Sammy Watkins in 1-year deal

Wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who won a Super Bowl with Kansas City, has agreed to a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens

MARCH 27, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Trevor Lawrence makes No. 1 pick in NFL Draft the most valuable ever

With Trevor Lawrence sitting at the top of the board, the Jaguars hold the most valuable NFL draft pick ever, Rob Rang writes.

MARCH 26, 2021

The Baltimore Ravens' rushing attack has left its passing game in the dust

The Ravens have mastered the ground but have left much to be desired via the air. Is it time for them to shift their focus?

MARCH 13, 2021

NFL sets salary cap at $182.5 million, down 8% from 2020

The NFL’s salary cap will be $182.5 million per team in the upcoming season, a drop of 8% from 2020

MARCH 10, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Lamar Jackson among the QBs next up for a new contract

Now that Dak Prescott got his record-breaking contract, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield are in line to top it

MARCH 9, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Baker Mayfield or the field? Colin Cowherd debates the Browns QB's value

Colin Cowherd played another fun game this week called 'Baker Mayfield or the Field.'

FEBRUARY 24, 2021

Ravens promote Ver Steeg to be running backs coach

The Baltimore Ravens promoted Craig Ver Steeg to be their running backs coach

FEBRUARY 23, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS