The Facts: HC John Harbaugh and GM Eric DeCosta held a press conference on Thursday, to turn the page on the 2022 season and to embark on 2023. Both made it clear that they want Jackson to remain with the team in 2023, and beyond. “We’re excited to start up negotiations with Lamar Jackson,” DeCosta said in his introductory remarks.

Diehards Line: Still, as PFT's Mike Florio suggests, it became clear from DeCosta’s answers to the various questions that it’s a “challenge” (as he put it at one point) to negotiate with Lamar, who represents himself. DeCosta spoke to the duality of “Lamar Jackson the agent” and “Lamar Jackson the player.” DeCosta emphasized that he loves Lamar the player. DeCosta didn’t say anything about his feelings toward Lamar the agent, which possibly says plenty. DeCosta also began his answer to the question of his confidence that a deal will be done with Lamar: “It certainly takes two to tango.” For Harbaugh’s part, he said that he definitely wants Lamar back. “One hundred percent, you know, 200 percent,” Harbaugh said. “Lamar Jackson is our quarterback. He’s been our quarterback.” Harbaugh also made it clear that he’s not involved in the negotiation, and that like everyone else he’ll keep his fingers crossed and say prayers and hope it gets done. “I want him here,” Harbaugh said, “Eric DeCosta wants him here, [owner] Steve Bisciotti wants him here, and Lamar wants to be here.” But Lamar also wants a five-year, fully-guaranteed contract. We'll obviously be watching for more.