It would seem based on how free agency has played out thus far that Lamar Jackson is most likely returning to the Ravens in 2023.
However, there is a notable landing spot he could end up as the Patriots continue to be among the teams NFL insiders have floated when discussing the next step for the star quarterback. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler was the latest to do so Sunday morning while appearing on “SportsCenter.”
“Right now there’s no real firm offer sheet for Lamar Jackson that I’m aware of,” Fowler said on ESPN. “Teams are probably slow-playing this. The draft could be a good indicator because you have a team like the Colts at number four. If they feel like they can’t get the quarterback of the future they wanted to draft maybe they pivot to Lamar Jackson. The Jets, if they strike out with Aaron Rodgers, certainly that’s not expected, but they could pivot.
“And then you got some wild cards like Tennessee or New England,” Fowler said. “Teams that like to run the ball. You never know.”
Jackson hasn’t received any offers since the Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on him earlier this month. The tag allowed him the opportunity to negotiate with other NFL teams. If another team signs Jackson to an offer sheet, the Ravens would have the opportunity to match it. If Baltimore opts not to retain him at that time, it would receive two first-round picks as compensation.
Every team seems to think the Ravens will just match the offer, which is why nobody has put an offer out there.
The only reason Jackson isn’t back in Baltimore already is a dispute over guaranteed dollars. He reportedly wants guarantees in the neighborhood of $230 million, which is what the Cleveland Browns guaranteed quarterback Deshaun Watson last offseason when he was traded there from the Houston Texans.
The Ravens offered Jackson a deal north of $250 million, but the guaranteed money was simply not enough, which led Jackson to reject the terms.
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The guaranteed money is one thing as well as giving up two first-round picks. Many teams that need a QB can simply wait until next year to nab a top college QB at a much lower price.
Jackson might not be going anywhere.
