Some have felt that the Baltimore Ravens are a franchise that is miserly, to a fault.
This narrative has persisted even though they have given out some lucrative contracts to some big-name players lately.
Eric DeCosta, the Ravens’ general manager, responded to the allegations that his organization is cheap.
Eric DeCosta was asked about the accusation that the Ravens are cheap:
"I think it's just agenda. People just want to be controversial. A lot of times what we see is it really isn't based in fact – it's based in fiction, hyperbole, agenda. It could be working with agents, it…
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) May 15, 2023
For many months, Baltimore was engaged in discussions with franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson on a new contract, but those discussions had gone nowhere.
In March, they used their non-exclusive franchise tag on him, which allowed him to freely negotiate a new deal with any team of his choice.
Although there were whispers that the San Francisco 49ers were supposedly interested in acquiring him, there was practically no interest in him across the NFL.
Finally, the Ravens gave Jackson a five-year, $260 million contract in late April to keep him in the fold.
Also this offseason, they signed wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., a former three-time Pro Bowler, to a one-year deal worth $15 million, and they gave linebacker Roquan Smith, who had a banner 2022 season, a five-year, $100 million extension.
There are still some questions about whether Jackson will have enough weapons and playmakers on offense, especially given the fact that Beckham is coming off two torn ACLs, but many still feel the team will finish second in the AFC North and at least challenge for a playoff spot.
Now, the challenge for them will be to get themselves to an elite level and win their third Super Bowl championship while Jackson is still around and healthy.
NEXT: Ravens OC Comments On Lamar Jackson's Workout Absence