Ian Rapoport has revealed where he believes Lamar Jackson will be playing next season.
Jackson has more or less gotten his wish as he is on the market on the back of the Baltimore Ravens using the non-exclusive franchise tag on him. But he’s probably among the most surprised to find out how little interest he’s garnered since the announcement.
Rapoport doesn’t envision a scenario that has the quarterback playing anywhere else as he reckons the Ravens present the best case for Jackson’s future.
“I know the Ravens had been negotiating with him, and he kinda reiterated his trade request, that is where it stands,” Rapoport the NFL Network insider said on the Pat McAfee Show this Monday.
“I know they want to get a deal done. It does seem like his trade request is more like ‘I’d like to get a deal done with the Ravens for the right amount, and if that doesn’t work, then trade me,’ that’s kind of what it feels like, more than just like ‘I hate all these people, get me out of here, trade me.’”
The host seemed a bit surprised to hear this from Rapoport as Jackson indicated he was done with the Ravens organization in a tweet he posted last week. But his guest pointed out that the Ravens are most aware of how impactful the QB could be.
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“To me, the most likely is he comes back to the Ravens,” Rapoport added. “His market seems to be the best with the Ravens. Other teams know how good he is, but I do feel like the Ravens, like that’s their guy.”
The Ravens have reiterated their desire to keep Jackson around but that could be them just saying what they need to say publicly. The parties have failed to agree on a new deal at every turn, which is why we’re here in the first place.
Of course, they don’t have to agree on anything given the player is still under contract and will play for them next season if he doesn’t get a new deal or a trade. But it would be in the Ravens’ best interest to either hash out a new contract or secure assets via a deal with another team.
