Official: Lamar Jackson signs five-year contract extension to stay with the Ravens

BALTIMORE - Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson signed his mega contract extension Thursday, the Ravens announced.

Jackson signed a five-year extension reportedly worth $260 million. According to reports, $185 million of his contract. He is the highest-paid player in the NFL on a per-year basis. 

"I love the fanbase, crazy. I can't explain it," Jackson said. "I get messages of them being sad, making me sad. I want to tell them there is progress. Just be patient because I want to be here. I love the community. This is my home."

Jackson addressed the media on Thursday at the Under Armour Training Facility in Owings Mills.

He avoided talking about the offseason drama between the two sides, other than saying there was no doubt he wasn't returning.

"I love being here. I really love the team and the fanbase," Jackson said. "There really wasn't a doubt in my mind."

Jackson has missed 10 games combined the past two years and was unable to finish both seasons.

He passed for 2,242 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season and gained more than 760 yards. In 2021, Jackson passed for 2,882 yards with 16 touchdowns to 13 interceptions.

The 32nd overall pick in 2018 won the NFL MVP in 2019.

"In our minds, Lamar Jackson is the best quarterback in the league," General Manager Eric DeCosta said. "With this, we had to get it done. You don't make phenomenal football player the highest paid payer. You make a phenomenal person and player the highest paid player."

The Ravens, this offseason, added wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor, along with first-round draft pick Zay Flowers.

"I'm very eager. I want to throw for 6,000 yards with the weapons we have," Jackson said. "We have explosive guys. I'm not a stat guy, but I want to get that done with the weapons we have."