If the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson aren't able to repair what's seemingly become a murky relationship this offseason, Chris Simms believes he knows a great landing spot for the former NFL MVP.
On Thursday's edition of "PFT Live," Simms explained to Mike Florio why he could see Jackson fitting well on the Atlanta Falcons.
"What's gonna happen with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens? Man, Atlanta would be perfect for Lamar Jackson," Simms said."
"They wanna run the ball and play smashmouth football ... and now you've got a guy [in Jackson] that's like the offense they tried to run this year with Marcus Mariota, except this guy is way faster and a better thrower and a better quarterback and a superstar. That's another one where I just go that would be one of the teams that I would look at as far as Lamar and I've got a little star next to it just to go 'Ooh, I could see that maybe happening there.'"
After playing out his fifth-year option in 2022, Jackson has completed his rookie contract. John Harbaugh and Eric DeCosta haven't wavered publicly on their commitment to Jackson, with the former saying that the Ravens are "200% sure" they want him to remain their starting quarterback moving forward.
But while it seems almost unthinkable that the Ravens would allow Jackson to walk in free agency this offseason, it would be interesting to see how they respond if Jackson indicates he doesn't plan to play if franchise tagged. That likely wouldn't stop the Ravens from tagging Jackson, but perhaps it would make them willing to listen to trade offers if a serious suitor emerged.
The Falcons -- or any other potential suitor -- would have to be willing to part with a bounty of draft picks to obtain Jackson, while also having a plan for how to proceed with a long-term contract. Jackson, who does not have an agent, seemingly has his eye on a fully-guaranteed contract like the one that Deshaun Watson received from the Cleveland Browns last offseason.
ESPN's Chris Mortenson reported last September that Jackson declined a deal "worth about $250 million" prior to the 2022 season, a pact that would have "included $133 million fully guaranteed at signing."
While it's fun to imagine Jackson joining the team that Michael Vick once starred for, if the Falcons aren't willing to fully guarantee a new contract for him, it all might be a moot point.
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