After an extended injury layoff (and an odd non-appearance during Baltimore’s playoff loss), many have wondered if that’s the case Lamar Jackson played his last snap for the Ravens. Many NFL GMs are asking the same question, and some executives have suggested that the quarterback is actually available. “Rival teams see Jackson as available,” Washington Post executive Jason La Canfora said. Some of these potential prospects have already begun identifying assets to abandon in a potential trade.
[RELATED: Ravens Still “All In” On Lamar Jackson Extension]
There are a handful of concerns when it comes to a possible deal with Jackson. Not only would the Ravens prefer to send Jackson out of the AFC, but they would also be eyeing a deal that would give them both draft picks and young talent. Additionally, Jackson would have a say in where he’s sent, as no team would sacrifice valuable future assets without an assurance that the quarterback would sign a long-term contract. Assuming Baltimore hits Jackson with an exclusive franchise tag, he would have a de facto no-trade clause until he signs the bid.
Still, there will surely be some teams ready to move the blockbuster. Executives pointed to the Panthers and Falcons as potential candidates, with both teams having had strong runs in the United States Deshaun Watson Sweepstakes. For Carolina, La Canfora pitches an idea for a package based on it Jaycee Hornthe No. 9 pick, a future first-round pick and a future second-round pick, and an NFL GM suggested that that will be the type of trade move.
“You have to find an owner who couldn’t find his man [at quarterback] and don’t let the price tag put you off,” a GM told La Canfora. “And it’s probably a team that’s on the brink next year. It’s sort of a make-or-break year for the coach or the GM.”
On the other hand, CBS Sports’ Joel Corry believes the Ravens won’t trade Jackson in 2023, with the former agent calling 2024 the “year of reckoning.” A second franchise tag would bring the QB to a whopping $54 million for the 2024 campaign, and Jackson would still have the option of finally hitting the open market in 2025. Corry says the Ravens don’t need to rush a trade now (especially if they’re able to compete), but they will have an important decision in mind in 2024. If Baltimore doesn’t trade Jackson next offseason, they risk investing more than $100 million in him for 2023 and 2024 and then only one compensatory pick if he signs elsewhere as a free agent for 2025.
There’s even a possibility that Jackson will re-sign with the Ravens. Just last week, we heard the Ravens were still “all-in” on an extension for their franchise player, even though those “in power” were “frustrated to the point of desperation” at the player’s absence. The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec warns that a new deal will certainly not be agreed between the two sides before the March 7 franchise tag deadline.