Lamar Jackson rumors: 3 teams that should jump at trade amid contract disparity
By John Buhler
Lamar Jackson may have very well played his last down as a member of the Baltimore Ravens.
After five great years, that may be all she wrote for Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
Jackson has spent his entire professional career out of Louisville in The Charm City. Although he won NFL MVP in his first full season as the Ravens starting quarterback in 2019, Jackson has only one playoff win to his name. Choosing to represent himself every step of the way throughout the negotiating process, let’s just say things have gotten incredibly messy with it minutes to midnight.
With ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reporting Jackson and the Ravens could be $100 million apart in a new deal, this is exactly where Baltimore did not want to be after seeing Jackson actually play out his fifth-year option last season.
The #Ravens and QB Lamar Jackson "could possibly be" $100 million apart in contract talks over how much guaranteed money should be in his contract, according to @JFowlerESPN
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 5, 2023
"Those trade calls are coming." Fowler adds. pic.twitter.com/NctB8e56BA
Baltimore should use the exclusive franchise tag, which may help both parties orchestrate a trade.
If Jackson becomes available this year, what teams may be at the front of the line to acquire him?
Table of Contents
- Introduction: I mean, who didn’t love the six-year run of The Michael Vick Experience?
- Page 2: This is not a bad second option if you miss out on the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes.
- Page 3: This will help right the wrong of passing on Justin Fields in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Lamar Jackson trade rumors: 3 teams who could look at acquire star quarterback
3. player. 44. NFC. South. Atlanta Falcons. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Atlanta Falcons trading for Lamar Jackson would be so incredibly controversial
As an Atlanta Falcons fan myself, I can safely say the Dirty Birds trading for Jackson would be incredibly controversial. Some fans may be all about this because it has them reminiscing of the six-year run known as The Michael Vick Experience in The ATL. On paper, I totally understand their argument, but I’m not in favor of history repeating itself. Then again, the Falcons always screw up.
Atlanta does not have a long-term solution at quarterback after trading away Matt Ryan. Desmond Ridder could be a guy, but we don’t know. Jackson would be the unquestioned starter. He would become a fan favorite immediately upon arrival. Schematically, he fits very well into what Arthur Smith wants to do philosophically by using the run to open up the past. Again, I get it.
However, there is a rapidly decaying shelf life on Jackson’s playing style. He will have to adapt in his early 30s like Vick and others before him had to. Atlanta has the cap space to take on his new contract, but will have to give up an arm and a leg to get him. There is also the Bobby Petrino component. Jackson’s college coach may be the most hated person in Flowery Branch of all time.
Atlanta has the resources to pull this trade off, but there are so many reservations to be had, too.