Winners and Losers of NFL Free Agency in the 2023 offseason
2023 NFL Free Agency Losers: Baltimore Ravens
To say the Ravens have had a long offseason is an understatement. The Lamar Jackson contract situation has taken the air out of Baltimore’s organization. Contract disputes and not knowing what exactly Jackson is looking for in an extension are quickly becoming a headache for the Ravens’ front office. In addition, Baltimore has done very little in free agency, while teams within the division and conference have made moves to separate themselves from the Ravens.
Baltimore gave Jackson the non-exclusive franchise tag, which pays the 26-year-old quarterback only $32 million in 2023. While that is fully guaranteed, that is low money for a former MVP. What the non-exclusive tag means exactly is that Jackson can negotiate with other teams about a contract, but the Ravens are allowed to match the offer sheet from another team. However, if the Ravens choose not to match the offer, they will lose Jackson for only two first-round picks.
What I am suspecting is that teams do not want to give up a 2023 first-round pick, so this could take place after the draft. One team that comes to mind in this theory is the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts currently hold the fourth pick in the upcoming draft, and are better off selecting someone at four and then signing Jackson to a contract. That way, Indianapolis would be giving up a first-round selection in 2024 and 2025.
Not only have the Ravens not signed Jackson to a long-term contract, but they have also remained stagnant in free agency.
One position that everyone knows the Ravens desperately needs is wide receiver, a position that will help Jackson. However, like Jackson’s entire tenure with Baltimore, there has been an underwhelming group of weapons. Something that has to frustrate Jackson at this point.
There is a strong possibility that Baltimore will lose Jackson and have no draft compensation that will help them in 2023. The Ravens are a team that could suddenly be in the quarterback market and is in danger of missing the playoffs because of the turmoil this offseason.