Story perspectives

Ravens Delay Lamar Deal, Draft Vega, Young; Center Race Begins

4/27/2026

Summary

DeCosta Stalls Deal

April 25, 2026, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said there has been “No. Not really” progress on quarterback Lamar Jackson’s contract.
He announced the Ravens selected 11 players, opening with guard Vega Ioane (1st) and linebacker Zion Young (2nd).
DeCosta said the post-draft free-agency period is another phase of free agency and expects Danny Pinter, Jovaughn Gwyn, Corey Bullock and Drew Hawkins to compete for the center job after Tyler Linderbaum’s departure.

Summary

Ravens Cancel

Ravens canceled the Maxx Crosby trade after a concerning physical exam.
DeCosta called owner Steve Bisciotti from the Bahamas to report the medical worries, prompting the cancellation.
The fallout sparked rumors that NFL teams may hesitate to negotiate with Baltimore.
Baltimore later signed Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal and drafted tight end Matthew Hibner at No. 133 after trading up 21 spots with the 49ers.

History

Historical Context

Negotiations to replace the CBA began early 2010, and when owners and Commissioner Roger Goodell failed to reach an agreement, the lockout started March 7 2011. The longest in NFL history, it ended July 25 2011 with a new CBA giving players about 47 percent of revenue. Today, the Baltimore Ravens under GM Eric DeCosta reference that precedent while handling Lamar Jackson’s contract and a stalled Maxx Crosby trade.

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DeCosta Stalls Deal

April 25, 2026, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said there has been “No. Not really” progress on quarterback Lamar Jackson’s contract.
He announced the Ravens selected 11 players, opening with guard Vega Ioane (1st) and linebacker Zion Young (2nd).
DeCosta said the post-draft free-agency period is another phase of free agency and expects Danny Pinter, Jovaughn Gwyn, Corey Bullock and Drew Hawkins to compete for the center job after Tyler Linderbaum’s departure.

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