Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, who built his fortune in the staffing industry, fired John Harbaugh on January 6. Bisciotti could draw on his staffing expertise as a blueprint for hiring a new coach and redirecting the team, and he explained that his approach to quarterback Lamar Jackson’s future will also influence the process.
Before his January 14 press conference, Bisciotti had not spoken to the media since 2022. Usually, general manager Eric DeCosta and Harbaugh speak for the team. But when the topic was his quarterback, Bisciotti spoke directly about Jackson.
“I want him to be my quarterback. If he doesn’t want to do an extension, then we throw those $74 million out into void years, and Lamar’s coming back at the same cap number he was last year. That’s not what we want. We want another window, and Lamar knows that. I think that he’s amenable to doing something that mirrors the last deal he did, although the annual number will be a little higher. But I’m hoping that it’s plug a new number into the same contract he signed last year and move on.”
Ravens Owner Uses Staffing Business Background to Address Team’s Future
Bisciotti made his money in the staffing industry as the founder of AeroTek, a company that connected aerospace employers with workers. As the Ravens’ owner, he could apply some of these business principles to running the franchise. In most organizations, the general manager serves as a link between players and the head coach. However, for the Ravens, Harbaugh reported directly to Bisciotti, bypassing DeCosta.
This arrangement was notable in Harbaugh’s contract negotiations with the New York Giants. Harbaugh and Bisciotti enjoyed direct communication. The Ravens clearly defined the qualities they desired in a coach. Since Bisciotti acquired the final 51% of the franchise from Art Modell, only Brian Billick and Harbaugh have been head coaches. This suggests that, like their rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens prioritize leadership stability.
Jackson’s Contract Presents Potential Showdown
After eight seasons and two MVP awards, Bisciotti still considers Jackson his franchise player. However, the contract holds backloaded money, which could provide a headache for the franchise.
According to Spotrac, Jackson’s contract expires after the 2027 season. For the 2026 season, the cap hit is $74.5 million, which occupies 24.5% of the salary cap. As a result, the team has $23,375,560 in free space, ranking No. 12 in the NFL. Currently, 19 Ravens are eligible for free agency, with 16 becoming unrestricted free agents on March 11. Of those, players such as Isaiah Likely will be coveted and in line for a sizable raise.
GettyBaltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely runs after the catch.
Currently, estimates predict his market value sits at $9 million. The 25-year-old comes off his worst statistical season with 27 catches, 307 yards, and one touchdown. Under those circumstances, that performance could drive down his potential market value, increasing the chances of re-signing him.
Similarly, center Tyler Linderbaum will reportedly command $17.7 million on the open market, which is five times his current salary of $3.3 million. A three-time Pro Bowler and anchor of the offensive line, the restructuring of Jackson’s contract may allow the team to re-sign both Likely and Linderbaum.
GettyBaltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum before the September 7 game against the Buffalo Bills.
Bisciotti wants to keep his key players, especially Linderbaum. The Giants could try to sign Linderbaum because Harbaugh has influence with their owners. Bisciotti knows the business side of football and hopes changes to the team help them make the playoffs next year. Until then, the team will find a head coach and navigate its financial situation, and prepare for the upcoming season.
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