We’re now in the new league year and Lamar Jackson remains on the Baltimore Ravens roster. The disgruntled quarterback has made it known that he wants a guaranteed contract, but he could end up playing this year on the franchise tag once again.
The Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson that will cost them $32.416 million in 2023 if they do not reach an extension by July 17th. Other teams are able to sign the quarterback, but it would require two first-round draft picks in compensation.
NFL insider Brian Baldinger of the Audacy Original Podcast “In The Huddle” explained why he thinks Jackson is going to end up playing for the Ravens again in 2023.
“My gut tells me that he’s not going to get signed, that he’s going to go out and play for the Baltimore Ravens this year on a one-year contract,” Baldinger said (4:50 in player above). “He may not be happy about the contract but I think that’s going to be his best chance. I don’t see another team right now giving up the compensation and creating the cap space necessary to sign Lamar Jackson.”
The Jackson saga took a quick turn earlier this month once it was reported that the Ravens would be franchise-tagging him. Teams that you would expect to be interested in the star quarterback immediately made it known that they weren’t.
“There are a lot of teams out there that could use him. Certainly the Indianapolis Colts, the Washington Commanders, the Atlanta Falcons, the Baltimore Ravens, the Las Vegas Raiders. I don’t care who’s on the roster and what quarterback is there,” Baldinger continued. “Lamar’s better than anybody that you can put there.”
Most of those teams have already added a veteran quarterback this offseason, however, perhaps signalling that they are truly out on Jackson.
The relationship between Jackson and the Ravens has gotten personal, but there may be one season left in the tank if that’s what it comes down to.
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