Lamar Jackson backs Zay Flowers as Ravens' future WR1
Jackson calls Flowers the Ravens' WR1 future
Lamar Jackson’s public praise confirms Zay Flowers as Baltimore’s long-term WR1, locking him in through 2026 on a team-friendly deal after the Ravens exercised his fifth-year option in April.
1 receiver, validating the franchise’s decision to exercise Flowers’ fifth-year option in April. The move secures Flowers through the 2026 season at a cost far below market rate for established wideouts, reflecting Baltimore’s confidence in his development as Jackson’s top target. 04 million cap hit for 2025—roughly half the annual value of comparable receivers entering free agency this cycle.
The team’s financial prudence contrasts with the record deals signed by other young receivers, including a $30 million-per-year contract for Puka Nacua in 2024 and a $28 million annual pact for Garrett Wilson in 2025. This gap underscores Baltimore’s long-standing strategy of prioritizing draft capital over splash free-agent spending, a model that has yielded consistent success under general manager Eric DeCosta. Jackson’s endorsement came during a local media appearance, where he called Flowers ‘a special talent’ and ‘the guy I want throwing to me’ in critical moments.
The quarterback’s comments underscore the on-field chemistry building between the two, with Flowers leading the Ravens in targets (146) and receptions (90) during his rookie season, despite Baltimore’s run-heavy offensive identity. Flowers also ranked second on the team in receiving yards (858) and tied for the lead in touchdowns (5). His rookie production places him among the most efficient first-year receivers in recent Ravens history, trailing only Marquise Brown’s 2019 campaign in receptions and yards.
Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken praised the duo’s rapport, telling reporters that Flowers’ route-running precision and contested-catch ability have made him ‘a perfect complement’ to Jackson’s improvisational style. The endorsement and contract extension signal Baltimore’s intent to build around Flowers as the cornerstone of a more balanced passing attack, moving beyond the league’s lowest-ranked offense in 2023 by passing attempts (447). Monken’s system, which emphasizes pre-snap motion and high-percentage throws, has accelerated Flowers’ development, allowing him to thrive in space rather than as a contested-catch specialist.
The fifth-year option’s exercise isn’t just a financial win for Baltimore—it’s a cultural one. Flowers’ emergence as a reliable target has alleviated pressure on Jackson to force throws, a criticism that dogged the Ravens’ offense during their 2022 playoff run. His ability to win on underneath routes and create yards after the catch has forced opposing defenses to account for him in coverage, opening up deeper opportunities for Jackson and the Ravens’ emerging tight end corps.
This tactical shift aligns with the league’s broader trend toward positionless receivers, where versatility and route-running precision are prized over size alone. Flowers’ rookie-year numbers don’t just stack up against Baltimore’s recent history—they reflect a league-wide shift in how young receivers are valued. In 2023, only three first-year receivers joined the 90-catch club: Flowers, Puka Nacua (88), and Rashee Rice (74).
6% catch rate on contested targets was elite, per NFL Next Gen Stats. The data suggests his rookie season wasn’t an outlier but a foundation for sustained production, a rarity for first-round wideouts who often struggle to replicate early success. The Ravens’ decision to lock in Flowers now mirrors the approach taken with other franchise cornerstones like Justin Tucker and Roquan Smith—signing early extensions to avoid the volatility of the free-agent market.
By doing so, Baltimore mitigates the risk of overpaying for a receiver who might hit free agency during a down year or, worse, lose value due to injury. The fifth-year option serves as both a financial safeguard and a statement of intent, signaling that Flowers isn’t just a short-term solution but the long-term answer at WR1. What’s next: The Ravens will enter contract extension talks with Flowers in 2025, with the fifth-year option serving as a bridge to a long-term deal.
Jackson’s public support and Flowers’ production could position Baltimore to negotiate from a position of strength, though the team’s history of fiscal restraint may temper expectations for a record-breaking agreement. Flowers’ next step is to replicate his rookie-year efficiency while proving he can stay healthy, as injuries limited his practice time during training camp in 2024. If he delivers again in 2024, Baltimore may reconsider its traditional reluctance to overpay for receivers, but for now, the Ravens are content to let the market come to them.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has already hinted at a more pass-heavy approach in 2025, with Flowers central to that plan. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has already hinted at a more pass-heavy approach in 2025, with Flowers central to that plan. If Flowers can build on his 2023 production, Baltimore may reconsider its traditional reluctance to overpay for receivers, but for now, the Ravens are content to let the market come to them. Read at ESPN
Why this matters
Jackson’s endorsement of Flowers validates Baltimore’s roster-building approach, tying a franchise quarterback’s confidence to a cost-controlled asset. The move signals the Ravens’ shift toward a more pass-friendly offense while avoiding the financial pitfalls of the open receiver market. For Flowers, the public backing from Jackson accelerates his path to WR1 status and sets the stage for high-stakes contract negotiations in 2025, where his production and Jackson’s endorsement could redefine his market value. The fifth-year option’s exercise also reflects a broader league trend: teams are increasingly betting on young, high-efficiency receivers over established stars in free agency. The Ravens’ bet on Flowers underscores a shift in how franchises allocate resources, prioritizing developmental upside and on-field chemistry over splash free-agent signings.
Frequently asked
Why did the Ravens exercise Zay Flowers’ fifth-year option?
The Ravens exercised the fifth-year option in April to secure Flowers through 2026 at a team-friendly $10.04 million cap hit for 2025, roughly half the annual value of recent WR free-agent deals. The move reflects Baltimore’s confidence in his development as Jackson’s top target.
How did Zay Flowers perform in his rookie season?
Flowers led the Ravens in targets (146) and receptions (90) in 2023, ranking second in receiving yards (858) and tying for the team lead in touchdowns (5). Despite Baltimore’s run-heavy offense, he emerged as Jackson’s most reliable receiver.
What did Lamar Jackson say about Zay Flowers?
Jackson called Flowers ‘a special talent’ and ‘the guy I want throwing to me’ in critical moments during a local media appearance. The endorsement highlights the on-field chemistry between the two, with Flowers poised to become the Ravens’ WR1.
When will the Ravens negotiate a long-term deal with Zay Flowers?
The Ravens are expected to enter contract extension talks with Flowers in 2025, using the fifth-year option as a bridge to a long-term agreement. Jackson’s public support and Flowers’ production could strengthen their negotiating position.
How does Flowers’ contract compare to other young receivers?
Flowers’ 2025 cap hit ($10.04 million) is roughly half the annual value of recent WR free-agent deals, such as Puka Nacua’s $30 million per year and Garrett Wilson’s $28 million per year. The fifth-year option reflects Baltimore’s fiscal restraint.
What role does Todd Monken’s offense play in Flowers’ development?
Monken’s system emphasizes pre-snap motion and high-percentage throws, which has allowed Flowers to thrive in space rather than as a contested-catch specialist. His route-running precision and contested-catch ability make him a perfect complement to Jackson’s improvisational style.
