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Ravens GM: I laugh at notion that players don't want to play with Lamar

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Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta addressed numerous issues on Monday surrounding the club's ability to build around quarterback Lamar Jackson.

DeCosta balked at the idea that players wouldn't want to play for the Ravens. Baltimore's offense has come under fire for being too one-sided, with wide receiver Marquise Brown recently expressing his opinion on the matter. Powered by Jackson's legs, Baltimore finished this season with the NFL's top rushing offense, but its passing attack ranked last.

"Players want to play with Lamar Jackson. I really do kind of laugh at the notion that players don't want to come here and play with Lamar because he's one of the best young players in the NFL," DeCosta said.

One proposition to improve the passing attack is adding a dynamic receiver. The Ravens failed to have a wideout break the 800-yard mark in 2020 as Brown led the team with 769 yards. The franchise relied on a receiving group consisting of Brown, Willie Snead, Miles Boykin, and 32-year-old Dez Bryant, who hadn't played in the NFL since 2017.

Baltimore's receiving issues have been a consistent problem over the years. The team hasn't produced a 1,000-yard receiver since 2016.

Head coach John Harbaugh said last week that a potential acquisition for a big, physical receiver would be "awesome" if it fits under the salary cap. DeCosta offered his best Marlon Brando impression as he added to his coach's statement.

"I've never had a player yet say to me, 'I don't want to come play for the Baltimore Ravens because you don't throw the ball,'" the general manager added.

Jackson's 2020 passing numbers decreased from his MVP campaign the year prior. His touchdown passes dipped from 36 to 26 while his passing yards per game fell to 183.8.

DeCosta is expected to open contract-extension talks with the former first-round passer in the "next 10 days or so," according to The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec.

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