Lamar Jackson is one of the most electrifying and polarizing athletes in the NFL. Jackson has recently taken to social media to “subtly” remind the world that he may not be feeling the love in Baltimore amidst contract negotiations.
From Lamar Jackson’s Instagram stories. pic.twitter.com/czuvkuf8oF
— Luke Easterling (@LukeEasterling) January 16, 2023
Jackson has finished his fifth year in the league after failing to agree on a contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens prior to the 2022 season. As the 2022 season has ended for the Ravens Jackson is once again seeking a sizeable contract. The Ravens have made it known they intend to franchise tag Jackson if he does not agree to a contract extension. Jackson is not likely to entertain the franchise tag and could create issues down the road.
Despite the recent firing of OC Greg Roman, possibly to appease Jackson, there is no guarantee he stays. Let’s explore five teams that would be a good fit for Jackson if he does not remain in Baltimore for 2023.
Lamar Jackson team no. 5: Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams are coming off the worst Super Bowl “hangover” of all time finishing their season 5-12. The Rams were hit hard with the injury bug losing quarterback Matt Stafford, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, defensive tackle Aaron Donald and others. Stafford sustained injuries that make many question whether or not he will be back next season.
While there were rumors that Donald and even head coach Sean McVay would not return they have since committed to the 2023 season. The Rams are in desperate need of a spark and with limited draft capital but the deep pockets of owner Stan Kroenke this move could this happen. Lamar Jackson in Los Angeles would be a huge market for him as a star athlete and the team’s offense would be rejuvenated instantly.
Sean McVay would be able to create plays that he has not had the opportunity to install during his time in the NFL. McVay’s quarterbacks, Jared Goff, Matt Stafford, and currently Baker Mayfield have not possessed the mobility or dynamic rushing ability as Jackson. This is easy to say as Jackson would have the same effect on most teams in the league but with the Rams’ future looking bleak, this would change things around in LA.
Lamar Jackson team no. 4: San Francisco 49ers
A lot of insiders believe Kyle Shanahan drafted Trey Lance in 2021 to create an offense similar to what Lamar Jackson was running in Baltimore. Due to injury and performance-related issues, Shanahan has not been able to replicate that with Lance.
Jackson in the 49ers’ offense would be borderline unstoppable. The top-tier running game led by Christian McCaffrey behind a strong offensive line with receiver options like Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk is beyond anything Jackson has had at his disposal during his five years in Baltimore.
Jackson has been used to having a complimentary defense that generates more opportunities for the offense to be on the field and the San Francisco defense would not let him down either. The 49ers are currently weighing their options between keeping Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Brock Purdy. Pursuing Lamar Jackson should be the new and only option in San Francisco.
Lamar Jackson team no. 3: New York Jets
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas have done a masterful job of adding key pieces to their team to turn them back into a competitive unit. The issue facing the Jets currently is the quarterback position.
Zach Wilson has benched on and off for injuries and then performance-related issues. Wilson additionally seems to have lost the locker room with some of his comments to the media. With all of the weapons added to the Jets’ offense, it’s clear that Wilson has been part of the problem when they have failed to put points on the board.
The Jets let go of offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur after the season concluded and Wilson’s future involvement has been called into question. Lamar Jackson arriving in Gotham City is the solution Saleh needs to keep his team, and his job, afloat.
Jackson would present so many opportunities for Saleh’s offense and with the hopeful return of a healthy Breece Hall the two could be a dangerous duo; similar to Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Miles Sanders.
Joe Douglas pulled out some excellent trades and acquisitions last offseason, let’s see if he can pull off a task this mighty.
Lamar Jackson team no. 2: Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins almost punched their ticket to the 2022 NFL playoffs with their third-string quarterback, Skylar Thompson. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel started the season off incredibly strong however consistent injury issues with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa derailed their postseason dreams.
Tagovailoa is in a similar but more dangerous situation than Rams quarterback Matt Stafford in that his injuries may prevent him from playing football again. The Dolphins have vocally committed to Tagovailoa for next season however suffering three concussions in one season has set off the panic button. The general consensus is Tagovailoa should step away from football for his own sake.
This vacancy should open the door for Lamar Jackson to command one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL. The Dolphins have two “WR1s” in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle as well as a “Shanahan-Esque” running game. McDaniel has created a true offensive powerhouse and similar to the San Francisco 49ers a consistent quarterback can make all the difference.
The Dolphins’ defense is not as consistent as Kyle Shanahan’s in SF but the pieces are in place for the future and it’s possible Jackson would thrive even more with McDaniels’ offensive roster. Tyreek Hill just by himself is a unique talent at the receiver position that Jackson has never had as an option. McDaniel was giddy about the opportunity to trade for Tyreek Hill, could you imagine if he was notified that Lamar Jackson may be available?
Lamar Jackson team no. 1: Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are the top destination for Lamar Jackson not only for Lamar Jackson but due to the urgency in Las Vegas to get the quarterback position addressed.
The Raiders’ offense should have been enough to get them into the playoffs in 2022 but losing four games with double-digit leads didn’t help that cause. Davante Adams is one of the best receivers in the league, possibly of all time, but he is not getting any younger. The Raiders have also given out contracts to tight end Darren Waller who is 30 years old and Hunter Renfrow who thankfully has a lot of football ahead of him.
The Raiders make the decision to move on from Derek Carr and fans of the Silver and Black are fine with it as long as a plan is in place. The prospect of Tom Brady coming in is not appealing to all based on his recent performances and stoic nature of sitting in the pocket. The threat of a mobile quarterback could be game-changing for the Raiders. Opposing defenses would be so tied up with the receiving threats of Adams, Waller, and Renfrow that Jackson would have seemingly endless opportunities to punish defenses with his legs.
Jackson has not been afforded the proper weapons in Baltimore but he would have a truly locked and loaded arsenal in Las Vegas. The Raiders’ defense is the only aspect of this equation that could make the location less desirable for Jackson. If Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler could add some defensive playmakers in the offseason this would be a top location for Jackson. Lamar Jackson would be an instant star in Las Vegas and the stands would be filled, but this time with fans actually wearing black.
If Lamar Jackson were to join any of these five teams in the offseason they would become instant Super Bowl favorites. Book it.