Pro Football Rumors
A mutual extension interest has long existed between Zay Flowers and the Ravens. Plenty of time remains for team and player to work out a deal, but one could be in place shortly.
[RELATED: Exploring Flowers’ Extension Candidacy]
During a recent interview on 105.7 The Fan, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said he “definitely” wants to have a Flowers extension finalized before the start of the season. As such, the possibility of an agreement being reached at or around the onset of training camp will be something to watch for. Flowers’ 2027 fifth-year option was picked up this spring, as expected.
The former No. 22 pick is due $27.3MM for that season as a result, although a long-term pact would likely cost more on an annual basis. Flowers has increased his receiving totals across each of his first three NFL seasons, topping 1,000 in 2024 and again last year. It comes as no surprise early contract talks have taken place in this case, making this situation similar to that of safety Kyle Hamilton (whose option was exercised last April before a monster extension was signed in the summer ahead of his fourth NFL season).
“I love Zay. Zay wants to be here. We want Zay here,” DeCosta said. “We’ve had good conversations… Certainly a work in progress; optimistic about it. I feel like at some point it gets done.”
Size has been brought up by outside observers as a factor which could hinder Flowers’ earning power. At 5-9, the Boston College product would indeed be an outlier relative to the other top earning receivers as things stand. Nevertheless, an average annual value approaching $35MM could be in store in this case. 11 wideouts are currently attached to an AAV of at least $30MM; four are at $35MM or more per year.
The Ravens do not have a long track record of developing high-end receivers, nor have they typically opted to make big-money investments at the position. Flowers – who has been a Pro Bowler each of the past two years – could certainly represent an exception. Entering his age-26 campaign, he will be in line for a considerable raise whenever his next deal is signed.
Rashod Bateman is set for another year as Baltimore’s No. 2 receiver, while the rest of the depth chart includes recent draft investments. Much of the Ravens’ success in the passing game will depend on Flowers remaining productive in 2026 and beyond, something which could soon be reflected with a notable long-term commitment.
