Lamar Jackson’s future is one of the most compelling storylines of the 2023 NFL offseason.
The 2019 league MVP could enter free agency if the Baltimore Ravens don’t use the franchise tag on him, though that feels unlikely. But if the two sides can’t reach an agreement on a long-term deal, the organization may have no choice but to explore a trade for Jackson.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler spoke to several NFL executives to get their predictions on how the offseason will play out. One league scouting director suggested an enticing trade destination for Jackson in Arthur Smith’s Atlanta Falcons:
“Good running game, an offense that could be friendly to Lamar while helping him grow as a passer, big receivers with a catch radius, which he needs due to accuracy issues, young regime on an improving team looking for a quarterback solution. Not sure if that’s their plan, but it would make some sense.”
The Falcons surpassed expectations by finishing with a 7-10 record, finishing just one game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South crown. Surely, a trade for an elite quarterback like Jackson would make Atlanta the team to beat in the division.
Jackson missed the Ravens’ final five regular season games as well as their Super Wild Card Weekend game against the Cincinnati Bengals because of a knee injury. He won eight of 12 starts in 2022, completing 62.3 percent of his pass attempts for 2,242 yards and 17 touchdowns against seven interceptions to go along with 764 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
