Ravens’ disastrous offseason continues with latest Lamar Jackson news
It continues to be a very good offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers. No, General Manager Omar Khan and the company have not made another signing. Instead, it appears that Lamar Jackson’s tenure with the Baltimore Ravens has officially ended. After a lengthy negotiation process, Jackson tweeted revealed on Monday morning that he had requested a trade from the organization.
If it wasn’t already, the Ravens have no leverage at this point. Previously, they allegedly wanted at least two first-round draft picks for the superstar quarterback. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Ravens offered Jackson a huge $200 million deal, which the quarterback scoffed at. Interestingly, in Jackson’s tweet, he indicated that he requested the trade on March 2nd. That was almost four weeks ago.
Who knows, if the Ravens step up and offer the quarterback what he wants and deserves, he might stay with the AFC North. At the moment, however, that seems highly unlikely. It will obviously help the Steelers since Jackson has kept Baltimore’s offense afloat for the past five seasons. His 2019 unanimous MVP campaign was the most memorable as he had 43 total touchdowns and 1,206 yards on the ground.
Last year showed his importance even more as their offense faltered when Jackson missed six games with an injury. He failed to return for the playoffs where Baltimore narrowly lost to the Cincinnati Bengals. As for the Ravens’ next step as quarterback, it’s hard to imagine they would roll into the 2023 season with Tyler Huntley as their man. While he was somehow selected as a Pro Bowl alternate in 2022, he struggled when he saw the field.
In four regular-season games, he threw for just 658 yards, along with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Huntley made a few plays in that playoff game, but apparently they would have won if Jackson had been in the lineup. If the Ravens get a high draft pick back in a trade, they could and probably should use it for a quarterback. This class has several top 10 options, including Anthony Richardson, who would best suit Jackson’s playstyle.
Well, as far as Jackson’s suitors go, it seems pretty much up in the air. The Atlanta Falcons have been rumored to be a primary target and that remains a possibility. The New York Jets are seemingly out of the running as they are likely to take on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers any day. The Miami Dolphins are perhaps the biggest wild card, although they appear to have signed Tua Tagovailoa for at least another year. PFF tweeted BetOnline.AG odds that the Indianapolis Colts are favorites for Jackson’s touchdown.
The Colts recently emerged as sleepers as they hold fourth pick overall in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, which would be an obvious trade inclusion. That would allow the Ravens to get their new quarterback in the draft as well. However, in the interest of Steelers fans, Jackson will hopefully end up in the NFC. The Detroit Lions and the New England Patriots are two others who have recently emerged as possible targets.
Does this open the door for the Steelers?
The AFC is loaded with quarterbacks right now, and that’s only going to get worse with the acquisition of Rodgers by the AFC East. The Steelers appear poised to reach the playoffs in 2023, and Jackson’s departure from the division would only help. In a season where Kenny Pickett is expected to make a step forward, this would be another perfect scenario for the Steelers.