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.
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.
2. Atlanta Flacons should trade for Lamar Jackson
On the day Lamar Jackson got tagged, a list of teams said they were out, including the Atlanta Falcons — don’t believe it. Why would Arthur Blank rely on Desmond Ridder when Lamar Jackson is available? As a matter of fact, the Falcons were close to landing Deshaun Watson, a guy who had off-field problems, so why not Jackson?
Jackson fits exactly what Arthur Smith likes to do in his offense. Smith is known for his positionless style of offense, where his skill guys would line up in all formations at different positions. He likes to put his quarterback on the move, allowing them to make plays outside of the pocket. Who better to do that with than Lamar Jackson? Trading away a 2023 and 2024 first-round pick is nothing for a guy ideally suited for the offense.
Jackson allows some flexibility in terms of offensive line woes that plagued the Falcons last season. He’d come into an offense with two big guys to throw to in Drake London and Kyle Pitts. He will have a solid running back in Tyler Allgeier. We saw what Jackson could be with a healthy core of good offensive guys—he won the MVP. The Falcons could look to bolster their offensive line on Day 2 of the draft. If they don’t lock down a guy like Orlando Brown—imagine reuniting him with Jackson.
1. Houston Texans should trade for Lamar Jackson
DeMeco Ryans signed the dotted lines to become the head coach of the Houston Texans, a team with draft capital but no quarterback. Sure, they could stand pat and take either Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Anthony Richardson, or Will Levis. Each of the quarterbacks has their own issues, but they have a high ceiling. However, Lamar Jackson comes with an MVP trophy and the potential to be elite. He’s the type of leader of a franchise that the Houston Texans need, unlike their previous quarterback who had more cases than a luggage shop. Jackson doesn’t come with any baggage except for the money bag the Texans would have to pay him.
Still, they can afford it in addition to parting ways with their two first-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Texans wouldn’t have to make the trade now.
On draft day, they could trade out of the No. 2 pick for a quarterback-needy team (likely in the Top 10) and gain their first-round pick, a Day 2 pick, and an additional first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The haul could allow them to trade that respective pick, and the No 12 pick.
They can flip the two first-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft for Jackson. They could sit back on Day 2 and load up on guys ready to contribute like a WR, TE, and defensive back.