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3 NFL teams that can and should trade for Lamar Jackson

By Michael Johnson

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 04: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 04: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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The Baltimore Ravens slammed the non-exclusive franchise tag on former MVP Lamar Jackson. However, there are a few teams that can, and should, pay the price for his services.

Baltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta put his foot down by slapping the non-exclusive franchise tag on Lamar Jackson. If you asked anyone two years ago whether Lamar Jackson would be a Baltimore Raven for life, everyone would have said yes. Fast forward, and there’s a chance Jackson won’t be part of the Baltimore Ravens. According to reports, the Ravens aren’t looking to accommodate Jackson’s alleged request for a $200M+ fully guaranteed contract. In fact, there are four teams that said they aren’t interested in the former MVP at all. The Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers, and Las Vegas Raiders all said no to the prospect of trading for Jackson.

The asking price stems from the blockbuster trade the Cleveland Browns consented for Deshaun Watson, who received his $230M upfront to the disdain of the other owners, allegedly. With the non-exclusive tag, a tea can bid for Jackson’s services. The Ravens would have to match the offer or decline and trade Jackson to a team for two first-round picks. It’s a hefty price to pay, but we’ve seen quarterbacks go for less. Having a quarterback with Jackson’s ceiling, despite his injuries, means more to a team than $250M or a pair of first-round picks.

Lamar Jackson
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 27: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on November 27, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images) /

3. Las Vegas Raiders should trade for Lamar Jackson

Releasing Derek Carr could be a huge mistake for a team that’s still on the hunt for a quarterback. Right now, the Raiders hold the No. 7 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but it’s a gamble to hope that either Anthony Richardson or Will Levis falls to them. That’s why we think Josh McDaniels should make a move for none other than the dynamic and electrifying Lamar Jackson. It just makes sense given the current shape of the Raiders’ offense.

Think about it: the team is led by one of the best running backs in the NFL in Josh Jacobs. McDaniels has already shown that he’s willing to change up his offense to allow Jacobs to be the focal point, and adding Jackson would only create more opportunities for one of the best offensive minds in the NFL.

With Jackson at the helm, the Raiders would instantly become contenders, despite their lackluster defense. And let’s not forget about Hunter Renfrow, who has the ability to consistently move the chains as an automatic third-down option. Can you imagine the special connection that Jackson and Darren Waller could have?

But that’s not all. For the first time in his career, Lamar Jackson would have an elite wide receiver in Davante Adams. Just think about how much better the former MVP would be with a weapon like Adams at his disposal. The possibilities are endless.

Don’t gamble on a draft pick when you can bring in one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the game. With Jackson on board, the Raiders would be a force to be reckoned with.

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