While the Baltimore Ravens continue to publicly state their desire to re-sign quarterback Lamar Jackson, the franchise reportedly submitted an offer to Baker Mayfield early in NFL free agency.
Baltimore placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson before the free-agency window opened. With the former NFL MVP allowed to engage in contract talks with other teams, the Ravens seemed to be open to a future without Jackson as their quarterback.
Related: Baltimore Ravens meeting with Odell Beckham Jr
According to JoeBucsFan.com, the Ravens made an official offer to try and sign Mayfield. However, he expected Jackson would re-sign with Baltimore and that would force him into a backup role. Instead, the former No. 1 overall pick signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Baker Mayfield stats (career): 102-64 TD-INT, 86.5 QB rating, 61.4% completion rate
Mayfield’s rationale behind the team choice is obvious. Many around the league have assumed for months that Jackson would return to the Ravens, either playing on the franchise tag or agreeing to a contract extension.
While Tampa Bay is requiring Mayfield to compete in a quarterback competition, he has a realistic shot to win the starting job. Kyle Trask, the 64th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, struggled to pick up the playbook through his first two seasons. Tampa Bay remains high on its former second-round pick, but Mayfield is a viable starting option who would provide some stability for the offense.
Related: Baltimore Ravens not fully ‘committing’ to Lamar Jackson
Baltimore continues stating publicly that it intends for Jackson to be its starting quarterback in 2023. However, the NFL star requested a trade in early March and shared his desire to play for another franchise after failed contract negotiations with the Ravens.
Holding the 22nd pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Baltimore likely won’t be in a position to land one of the top quarterback prospects. However, it could target a signal-caller in the middle rounds who would provide added competition for Tyler Huntley.
Related: Baltimore Ravens blame Deshaun Watson deal for Lamar Jackson ‘problems’
For now, Jackson appears determined to not play another snap for the Ravens but the two sides are still having contract discussions. If Jackson isn’t signed to a deal by training camp, Baltimore will likely sign a veteran quarterback to provide depth this summer and into the preseason.