We have to be close to the Baltimore Ravens reaching a conclusion on Lamar Jackson’s future with the organization. Set to hit free agency for the first time in his young NFL career, Jackson could very well be franchise tagged ahead of today’s 4 PM ET deadline. But if not, then what?
The Ravens would then be expected to reach a long-term extension with the 2019 NFL MVP, but what if he hits the open market?
Well, the current expectation is that Jackson will receive a franchise tag of some kind. Whether it’s the non-exclusive or the exclusive tag is another matter. Yet, even if Jackson is tagged, it doesn’t guarantee he will actually suit up for Baltimore in 2023.
Until the day he signs his name on the dotted line with the Ravens once more, Jackson’s name will constantly be mentioned in trade rumors. We’ve already heard some, but many remain skeptical that the Ravens would actually trade an athlete who has a chance to go down as their best player in franchise history, in time.
But rumors of the Atlanta Falcons sniffing around the electric dual-threat quarterback have not dissipated. This idea goes way back to January when concerns about the Ravens being unable to reach a contract with Jackson led Sportsnaut’s Benjamin Allbright to point out we should all be keeping an eye on the Falcons.
Now talks are reportedly heating up, according to Matt Lombardo, whose sources indicate “tremendous progress was made” toward a Jackson trade to the Falcons during last week’s NFL Combine, where execs routinely exchange information.
The Falcons, who were also in on the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes last offseason, could be ready to push all their chips in for another proven product, though one without any off-field baggage. They already hold the eighth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, which may be just outside the range of landing a top QB prospect like Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, or Anthony Richardson.
Plus, if Jackson can truly be had for a collection of draft picks, that’s much more ideal than gambling in the draft for an unproven commodity. Will the Ravens actually make the massive, franchise-altering trade? If so, expect at least two, probably three, or more first round picks getting exchanged for one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks.
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