The Baltimore Ravens are aggressively pursuing contract extensions for both star quarterback Lamar Jackson and Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum as free agency approaches. General manager Eric DeCosta expressed confidence Tuesday at the NFL scouting combine that new deals can be reached with both players before the March 11 league year begins.

Jackson, who ranks 10th among NFL quarterbacks in average annual salary at $52 million, carries a massive $74.5 million cap hit this season. The Ravens need to either extend him or restructure his contract to create cap space for free agency. Meanwhile, Linderbaum, considered one of the top available players, has received a "market-setting" offer from Baltimore after the team declined his $23.4 million fifth-year option last season.

With Jackson under contract for two more seasons and Linderbaum entering free agency, the timing is critical for Baltimore. The Ravens face a complex financial puzzle - extending Jackson could create $30 million in cap space while keeping him under contract for three to four additional years. DeCosta's dual-extension strategy signals Baltimore's commitment to maintaining its offensive core as the team transitions to new coach Jesse Minter's system.