The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly picking up the fifth-year option on Zay Flowers' rookie contract, tying him to the team through the 2027 season.
The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly picking up the fifth-year option on Zay Flowers' rookie contract.
This decision will not only tie Flowers to the Ravens through the 2027 season, but it also gives the team a bit longer to put together a long-term deal. The young pass catcher will also earn $28 million in 2027 if a long-term deal is not worked out.
It is highly unlikely that the Ravens and Flowers will not make it a priority to hammer out a new deal between now and then, especially given how he performs in 2026. The young pass catcher has been one of the best receivers in the league, and he had a breakout year in 2025.
Flowers ended his 2025 campaign with 1,273 yards from scrimmage, including six touchdowns from scrimmage. The lion's share of his yardage came from receiving, where he brought in 1,211 yards and five touchdowns. He also secured 62 rushing yards and one touchdown.
The 2025 season marked the second consecutive Pro Bowl nod for Flowers, and he also finished sixth in voting in 2023 for Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Ravens understand his value and are likely to etch out a new deal in the coming months.
Flowers has not only become a cornerstone for this Ravens team, but for the offense. No other pass catcher surpassed 500 yards receiving, and this includes the tight end room. Simply put, Flowers is the offense when it comes to pass catching.
On top of ascending as a player, Flowers spoke openly about stepping into a leadership role for the team and the wide receiver room.
"Yes, I feel [myself] taking more of a leadership [role] this year, taking more of a leadership step. Because, over the past few years, we had vets, so it was easier for the vets to take over because they already did what I'm trying to do. So, now that we might not have a vet, or I might be one of the oldest in the room, I have to take that next step and be that leader," Flowers said in early April.
Should Flowers perform at a high level in 2026, the Ravens will have no choice but to award him a new deal that will make him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league. However, the front office may also be angling to pay him before that.