ESPN proposes insane trade sending Lamar Jackson to 49ers

Back in March, ESPN laid out an insane trade proposal that would send quarterback Lamar Jackson from the Baltimore Ravens to the San Francisco 49ers.

The Baltimore Ravens are navigating this offseason with the intention of keeping quarterback Lamar Jackson on the team.

After being hit with the non-exclusive franchise tag and no sign of a long-term contract extension incoming, Jackson informed the NFL world that he had requested a trade from the team.

But now, things seems to be heading in a more positive direction, especially since the team added wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who Jackson helped recruit.

Remember when the trade discussions surrounding Jackson were running rampant at the time of being hit with the franchise tag? Well, there was one pitch from ESPN’s Bill Barnwell in an article back on March 7 (subscription required) ranking the 16 best fits for the 2019 NFL MVP.

Coming in at No. 15 were the San Francisco 49ers, and Barnwell wrote his opinion on what could get a deal done:

Jackson and a 2024 fourth-round pick to the 49ers in exchange for quarterback Trey Lance, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and a 2024 first-rounder.

ESPN has wild trade proposal that would send Lamar Jackson to 49ers

"“Lance would have to head back to the Ravens, but would Baltimore feel the same way about him as Shanahan & Co. did two years ago? These two teams would have to get creative. What about Lance, Aiyuk and a 2024 first-round pick to the Ravens for Jackson and a 2024 fourth-round selection? I believe the 49ers are more likely to stay put at quarterback outside of adding a veteran backup such as Matt Ryan.”"

This is, well, a trade.

With Jackson being hit with the non-exclusive franchise tag, it allows him to discuss contracts with other teams. If a team were to give him an offer, they would have to sign an offer sheet. The Ravens would then have the option to match it, or decline it. The latter would force the interested team to trade a first-round pick in each of the next two NFL Drafts.

Since then, the Ravens and 49ers have made moves. Obviously, Jackson successfully recruited Beckham to join the Ravens. As for San Francisco, they brought in former New York Jets and Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold to add to their quarterback room alongside Lance and Brock Purdy. Lance is working his way back from a fractured ankle suffered in Week 2 last year, while Purdy underwent right elbow surgery this offseason following his injury in the NFC Championship Game.

Even with the NFL Draft taking place from Apr. 27-29, there is still a lot of time left until the start of training camp this summer and the 2023 regular-season. Ravens fans certainly can’t wait until they get clarification that Jackson will, indeed, be quarterbacking the team.