10 NFL teams give public verdicts on Lamar Jackson trade amid standoff

Lamar Jackson is hoping to secure a blockbuster new contract – but his efforts to stimulate interest around the NFL appears to have fallen on deaf ears. Since declaring he wanted to be traded from the Baltimore Ravens, 10 franchises have pulled out of the race to acquire him for differing reasons. 

Last week, Jackson – whose future has been one of the biggest storylines across the offseason – announced that he had requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens on March 2. The Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on the 26-year-old five days later, allowing teams to negotiate with Jackson while he and the team have until 17 July to agree a multi-year extension. 

Other NFL franchises may sign the former MVP to an offer sheet and Baltimore would have five days to match it or receive two first round picks as compensation. Asked whether the Ravens have maintained contract talks with Jackson, coach John Harbaugh said: “I know they’re working hard at it. 

“They’re trying to be in constant contact. You’re not talking every second of every day, but as far as I know, it’s very consistent.”

It appears increasingly likely that Jackson will remain with the Ravens for the 2023 season as 10 teams have already made their feelings clear on the matter, exiting the sweepstakes for the 2019 MVP. Last Tuesday at the league’s annual meetings, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank praised Jackson but referenced his availability issues in the last two seasons. 

“You have a winner (in Jackson), a MVP in the league,” Blank said. “There’s no question he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the league.

“Looking at it objectively, I’d say there’s some concern over how long can he play his style of game. Hopefully a long time… but he’s missed five, six games each of the last two years. Each game counts a lot in our business.”

The Carolina Panthers – who completed a blockbuster trade with the Chicago Bears to acquire the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft – are also out on Jackson. This perhaps makes sense given their recent moves, with general manager Scott Fitterer suggesting Jackson was a ‘great, really expensive option’ before reiterating his team’s focus on the draft. 

Many thought the Detroit Lions would be the perfect landing spot for Jackson given their young burgeoning offence in a wide open NFC North – but head coach Dan Campbell shut those rumours down quickly to praise Jared Goff. He said: “Lamar is a heck of a talent. But, man, we got a quarterback. And thank God we got one. So, we’re good.”

The Indianapolis Colts are also an attractive destination, but appear to be out – for now. Colts GM Chris Ballard confirmed the team were interested in the 26-year-old, but owner Jim Irsay later insisted Indianapolis were looking to add a quarterback through the draft that they can develop themselves after the experiences of Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan. 

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Meanwhile, the New York Jets are focused on acquiring Aaron Rodgers while their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots, are also reportedly out. Pats owner Robert Kraft revealed rapper Meek Mill recently informed him that Jackson was willing to play for New England, but admitted it would be head coach Bill Belichick’s decision.

Meanwhile, Kyle Shanahan insisted the San Francisco 49ers would not add Jackson given they have Brock Purdy, Trey Lance and Sam Darnold on the roster. The Seattle Seahawks re-signed Geno Smith last month, and coach Pete Carroll admitted the franchise ‘couldn’t afford’ Jackson even if they wanted him.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have only $2.4million in salary cap space to build in the post-Tom Brady era, with Todd Bowles claiming any offer the team could make ‘would be an insult’ to a player of Jackson’s calibre. He added: “We know it’s time for us to get under the cap, and he makes a lot of money. But he is a heck of a player, and I hate playing against him.”

Finally and perhaps surprsingly, the Washington Commanders are also not going to pursue Jackson. General manager Martin Mayhew declared the team were happy to move forward with second year signalcaller Sam Howell and free agent pick-up Jacoby Brissett for the 2023 NFL season.

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