Every offseason isn't about just assembling the team for the upcoming campaign but planning for the future.
The Ravens got a piece of the road map Friday, as the NFL released the costs of fifth-year options for first-round picks from the 2022 class. Baltimore has two obvious candidates in safety Kyle Hamilton and center Tyler Linderbaum.
Both players are entering their fourth year, and both would be under contract through the 2026 season if the Ravens pick up their fifth-year options by May 2.
Since they have both been to two Pro Bowls, Hamilton would cost $18.6 million and Linderbaum would be $23.4 million for the 2026 season.
General Manager Eric DeCosta said after the season ended that the Ravens would work on extensions for players from the 2022 class. And he was already clearly planning for it when speaking at the Combine.
"The reality of it is, when you're paying guys like Lamar Jackson and the Marlon Humphreys' and the Nnamdi Madubuikes' and the Roquan Smiths' and guys like that, and the guys – someday – like probably Tyler Linderbaum and guys like Kyle Hamilton, you have to draft well every single year, so that you always have an open window," DeCosta said.
Ar'Darius Washington Restricted Free Agent Decision
In addition to the fifth-year option, teams were also notified Friday about the cost of the restricted free agent tenders.
Safety Ar'Darius Washington, who played well in 10 starts down the stretch last season, is a restricted free agent.
The Ravens could put a second-round tender on Washington, which would pay him $5.346 million next season, and would presumably not be met by another team because they would have to give up a second-round pick if the Ravens didn't match.
Or the Ravens could use the right of first refusal tender worth $3.263 million on the former undrafted free agent, which would still give them the opportunity to match another team's offer, but would provide no draft pick compensation if they don't.
Maryland Wide Receivers Want to Stay Home, Catch Passes From Lamar Jackson
The Ravens could consider staying local to add to their wide receiver depth.
There are two wide receivers from the University of Maryland at the Combine – Tai Felton and Kaden Prather.
Felton caught 96 passes for 1,124 yards and nine touchdowns last season while Prather had 56 grabs for 624 yards and four scores. Both are expected to be mid-to-late round options.
"It would be a blessing to be kind of home. I would be very comfortable," said Felton, who hails from Ashburn, Va. "I feel like I would be playing with a different type of juice if I ended up going there."
"Words can't even explain. [Playing with Jackson] would be a true blessing," Prather said.
