The Baltimore Ravens enter a crucial offseason with several contract situations to resolve, including that of key wide receiver Zay Flowers, whose contract status has drawn less attention compared to teammates Lamar Jackson and Tyler Linderbaum. With one year remaining on his rookie deal, the Ravens must decide whether to exercise Flowers’ expensive fifth-year option, a move that would guarantee him a salary exceeding $27 million in 2027.
ESPN insider Dan Graziano shared insight on the Ravens’ intentions:
“I got the impression from my conversations that the Ravens plan to pick up the fifth-year option on 2023 first-round pick Zay Flowers, and that will put him in line to earn $27.298 million in 2027 after making $2.664 million in 2026,”
Graziano wrote.
Implications of Picking Up the Fifth-Year Option for Flowers
Choosing to activate the fifth-year option commits the Ravens to a significant financial obligation, but it also secures Flowers, a two-time Pro Bowler, under contract for an additional season before a potential extension. Teams often try to negotiate extensions before the option period to alleviate salary cap pressure, but reports indicate the Ravens may delay such talks with Flowers during this offseason.
Balancing priorities between Flowers’ contract, Lamar Jackson’s ongoing negotiations, and center Tyler Linderbaum’s uncertain future might force Baltimore to put Flowers’ long-term deal discussions on hold, complicating roster planning. The decision to pick up the option rather than securing an extension could lead to a higher cap hit in 2027, presenting additional challenges for the team’s salary structure.
Context Within the Wider NFL Contract Landscape
While the Ravens assess their internal decisions, other NFL teams are making moves on their talent. Recent reports highlight the Buffalo Bills poised to make a strategic signing of Keon Coleman, significant updates regarding Kirk Cousins’ future with the Falcons, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers exploring options following Mike Evans’ potential departure. Analysts also speculate on the Miami Dolphins’ timelines for Tua Tagovailoa and the Cardinals as a possible landing spot for a two-time Super Bowl winner.
Amid this dynamic environment, the Ravens’ handling of Zay Flowers’ contract status will impact not only their salary cap but also their long-term competitiveness as they strive to balance building around Lamar Jackson and retaining key contributors like Flowers and Linderbaum.
