True. And then you google it and you find basically everyone that covers the ravens says the same thing ,the reason Jackson doesn't already have an extension is HE and HIS AGENT are delaying it. And the problem is his agent is... Lamar Jackson. he's one of 17 NFL players that don't have an agent, and he appears to think by delaying the extension the numbers will get bigger and make up for delaying the start. It sounds like a math error to me but maybe he knows what he's doing.
"I think, at this point, I would say that we're working at Lamar's pace," DeCosta said. "He's comfortable where we are right now."
That was DeCosta's most insightful answer, and it has left pundits trying to read the tea leaves.
"Team officials have confidently framed it as a matter of when, and not if, a new deal gets done with Jackson,"
ESPN's Jamison Hensley wrote. "But for a second straight offseason, there's no indication that a long-term commitment to Jackson is imminent. So, what's the hold up?"
"There was no mention of prioritizing Jackson's deal, of it being a front-burner issue or of the organization working tirelessly to get it done," The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec added. "The Ravens appear to be taking the stance that they are ready and willing, but that it's largely up to Jackson to accelerate the talks."
The understanding seems to be that it's Jackson – not the Ravens – who is delaying a contract extension. But why?
DeCosta said it has been an "unusual" negotiation because he's been dealing with Jackson directly. According to Hensley, Jackson is one of just 17 NFL players not represented by a traditional sports agent. Jackson has on numerous occasions declined to shed light on who is advising him.