The Baltimore Ravens still have full intention of keeping starting quarterback Lamar Jackson, but according to a report from NFL.com on Saturday, they could be tempted to trade him if another team throws a “windfall of draft picks” at them.
Jackson is set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason after the two sides were unable to agree to a new long-term contract extension before the 2022 NFL season.
Head coach John Harbaugh recently expressed confidence that Jackson will be the team’s starting quarterback next season (he said he was 200 percent confident), but a lot can change with one phone call.
If the Ravens are still unable to work out a new contract extension, the franchise tag is the next logical outcome.
If Baltimore places the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, other teams around the league would be able to negotiate a deal with him in free agency. If the Ravens did not match it, they would receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.
If the Ravens placed the exclusive tag on Jackson, nobody else would be able to negotiate with him at all unless the Ravens gave permission.
Jackson would still have a ton of leverage in that situation because he would have to sign his franchise tender to allow any trade to go through, and any team that wants to give up the sort of compensation required to land him in a trade would need to find a way to secure a long-term contract with him.
The big sticking point between Jackson and the Ravens has been guaranteed money.
Based on recent quarterback trades the cost to acquire Jackson, or at least present the Ravens with an offer strong enough to make them consider it, would be massive.
Denver traded multiple first-and second-round picks, as well as three players, to acquire Russell Wilson before the 2022 season.
Cleveland traded a bounty of draft picks, including three first-round picks, to acquire Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texas.
Jackson is not only significantly younger than Wilson, he also does not have the baggage that Watson carried.
Given that, as well as his ability, the price might be even higher for him.
