The Lamar Jackson sweepstakes need to end with the Washington Commanders
Lamar Jackson has been the Baltimore Ravens starting quarterback since 2019. He wasted zero time becoming one of the elite at his position. Despite putting up great numbers with a pedestrian (at best) group of weapons, the Ravens don’t seem too excited about paying him. Their relationship seems strained at best.
All that has led to this moment. On the “Pardon My Take” podcast, ESPN’s Adam Schefter suddenly perked up while looking at his phone. He then announced that he was hearing that Jackson to the Washington Commanders was becoming a serious discussion.
It’s been a few days and that still hasn’t happened. Schefter might have been pulling their legs… Washington needs to get this done, for real, though.
The Commanders have one of the more intriguing rosters in the NFL. They have the best defensive line, anchoring a solid defense. Meanwhile, they sneakily have one of the better wide receiver groups in the league. Terry McLaurin is elite, a true number-one receiver. Curtis Samuel had a strong bounceback year and is one of the most dangerous open-field players in the NFL. Jahan Dotson looked like a veteran in his rookie year and will only improve in the years to come.
That’s a fantastic trio. Add in depth pieces like Cam Sims and Dyami Brown, and it’s hard to name too many groups better than that.
Last season, all that talent was wasted with Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke at the quarterback position.
Sam Howell looked great in his lone start at the end of the year. He’s still a fifth-round QB with one career start, though. Getting a proven superstar veteran seems like a slam dunk.
Imagine Lamar Jackson getting to throw to those receivers after all those years in Baltimore, never getting any real help outside of Mark Andrews and Hollywood Brown.
Now imagine McLaurin finally getting a quarterback. Oh boy, the numbers he would put up.
It’s not just the passing game for Washington that would get a boost, though. Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson are a solid RB duo. Robinson especially showed plenty of potential in his rookie season. Now add a QB whose lowest rushing yards total in a season is 695. That’s going to open up so much for Robinson. Let the bruising back work with more open fields, and good luck to those defensive backs trying to tackle him alone while the linebackers are chasing Jackson.
Trading for Lamar Jackson isn’t going to be easy. Howell will likely be in the deal with multiple first-round picks. If you can do that and sign him to a long-term extension, it’s a no-brainer. Losing picks won’t be fun, but winning solves everything.
Washington’s biggest weakness on offense last season (outside of quarterback) was the offensive line. Jackson immediately improves that as well, thanks to his escapability. Fix that up a bit, and the offense is golden.
Logan Thomas is a reliable tight end, the receivers are top-tier, and the running backs have the potential to hit that mark. Give that group an elite quarterback, and Washington immediately becomes one of the best offenses in football.
The Washington Commanders go from a team that could maybe make the playoffs to a Super Bowl contender. It makes too much sense.