4 potential landing spots for Lamar Jackson in 2023

3. Lamar Jackson landing spots: Detroit Lions

As the Detroit Lions look to take a step toward playoff contention this year, they have a long-term quarterback question. Jared Goff is not likely the answer, and they can part ways with him rather easily next offseason ($10 million in dead money, $20.65 million in cap savings, via Over The Cap).

Detroit will have two first-round picks again in 2023, their own and the second via the Los Angeles Rams from the Matthew Stafford trade. But their own pick might be low enough to take them out of the mix for one of the top quarterbacks in the draft class, and the Rams’ pick isn’t likely to be inside the top-20 overall. A trade up to get one of the higher-touted incoming signal callers would of course be possible.

But if Jackson is freely available, how do the Lions not entertain the idea of signing him? They are emerging from a tough salary cap situation, with ample cap space and little or no current dead money looking past this year.

And in terms of Jackson’s desire to sign with the Lions, should he be available, they can lay down an appealing case for him to think about this season.