The Lamar Jackson saga has captured headlines all offseason, and it took a wild turn this morning when Jackson himself tweeted out that he has requested a trade from the Ravens.
in regards to my future plans. As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value, any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023
This is the first time we’ve heard about Jackson actively wanting out of Baltimore, and the timing of his announcement was planned. Around the same time he made this public, Ravens head coach Jon Harbaugh was taking the podium at the league meetings, where he stated the plan is to still have Jackson play quarterback for their football team.
“I’m getting ready for Lamar. … When Lamar gets back on this train, it’s moving full speed.”#Ravens coach John Harbaugh, on his QB requesting a trade.
“We love him.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 27, 2023
I’m not saying a trade is 100% a guarantee at this point, but it looks more realistic now than ever. The two sides seem to be on the fast track for a divorce, even if nobody is quite sure where he will land.
Just a couple of weeks ago, a slew of teams — including the Falcons — denounced their potential interest in the MVP quarterback. However, that hasn’t stopped betting outlets from believing Atlanta remains in the running for Jackson. According to Bet Online, the Falcons currently have the second-highest odds of landing the Ravens quarterback if he is indeed traded, tied with the Lions at +550.
Where will Lamar Jackson play next season (if not BAL):
Colts (+300)
Lions (+550)
Falcons (+550)
Patriots (+800)
Dolphins (+800)
Buccaneers (+900)
Commanders (10/1)
Jets (12/1)
Titans (12/1)
49ers (14/1)#NFLTwitter | @betonline_ag— Jaime Eisner (@JaimeEisner) March 27, 2023
At this point, my guess is as good as yours when it comes to where Jackson plays next season. Many speculated why the Falcons were so willing to give up a ton to acquire Deshaun Watson but had no interest in pursuing Jackson.
I’m not sure we will ever know the answer to that, but as of now, there is no inclination that the Falcons have changed their mind. However, I do want to point out that it is not out of the realm of possibility. The Falcons still have a full allotment of draft picks, and they can structure the deal in a way that fits into their cap sheet. It is a financial possibility, and the fit is seamless, but it seems as if the organization is comfortable going into 2023 with Ridder as their starting quarterback, for better or for worse.
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Photo: Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire
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