Ravens Face Backlash Over Zay Flowers' $140 Million Deal

WHO:

baltimoreravens.com - Zay Flowers stated, "They're my biggest fans. They see everything I do. They know everything I've been through. They're happy for me, because they think I deserve it."

baltimoreravens.com - Lamar Jackson described Zay Flowers' work ethic, stating, "His grind is out of this world."

baltimoreravens.com - Zay Flowers expressed a desire for Lamar Jackson to be his quarterback for his entire career, stating, "I would love for him to be my quarterback until I am done playing."

NBC Sports - Rams receiver Puka Nacua and Cowboys receiver George Pickens are noted as players who will take notice of Zay Flowers' contract extension.

baltimoreravens.com - Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson, General Manager Eric DeCosta, Derrick Henry, Jesse Minter, Declan Doyle

Heavy NFL - Bill Simmons

WHAT:

baltimoreravens.com - Zay Flowers has gained eight pounds since the end of last season, increasing his weight from 178 pounds to 186 pounds.

baltimoreravens.com - Flowers expressed his desire for Jackson to be his quarterback for his entire career, saying, "I would love for him to be my quarterback until I am done playing."

baltimoreravens.com - Zay Flowers gained eight pounds since the end of the last season, increasing his weight from 178 pounds to 186 pounds.

baltimoreravens.com - Flowers had a career-high 118 targets in 2025, but seventeen NFL players had more targets than him.

NBC Sports - Zay Flowers' new contract carries a new-money average of $35 million per year.

NBC Sports - Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase is currently at $40 million per year and may start to question his pay in light of Flowers' deal.

baltimoreravens.com - The Ravens and Zay Flowers agreed to a contract extension for four years, worth $140 million with $108 million guaranteed.

baltimoreravens.com - Flowers has averaged 13.2 yards per reception and has played all but one regular-season game in three years.

baltimoreravens.com - Flowers is considered one of the hardest workers on the team and has a strong rapport with Lamar Jackson.

Heavy NFL - Bill Simmons criticized the Ravens for the $140 million contract extension, calling it "insane."

WHERE:

baltimoreravens.com - Baltimore, Maryland

WHEN:

baltimoreravens.com - The contract extension for Zay Flowers is set to take effect in 2026.

WHY:

NBC Sports - The Flowers deal is expected to fuel a wave of contracts for other receivers as they see the increasing market values.

baltimoreravens.com - The Ravens aim to secure key players and enhance their passing offense, which is intended to complement Lamar Jackson's mobility and Derrick Henry's power.

HOW:

baltimoreravens.com - Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle emphasized Flowers' versatility, stating, "He is really integral in what we are trying to do."

baltimoreravens.com - Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle emphasized Flowers' importance in the Ravens' scheme, stating, "He is really integral in what we are trying to do."

NBC Sports - The contract extension for Flowers is anticipated to have ripple effects in the receiver market, influencing negotiations for other players.

baltimoreravens.com - The Ravens are locking in key players through contract extensions as part of their strategy to build a competitive team.

Zay Flowers recently shared how his family has been his biggest supporters, saying they see everything he does and are thrilled for his success. He has also gained eight pounds since the end of last season, bringing his weight up to 186 pounds, and expressed his hope that Lamar Jackson will be his quarterback throughout his entire career. Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle highlighted Flowers' versatility, noting that he is integral to the team's plans moving forward.