Lions rule out pursuit of Ravens' QB Lamar Jackson

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has insisted having Jared Goff atop the depth chart meaning the club doesn't need to pursue Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson. 

"Look, Lamar is a heck of a talent," Campbell told reporters at the annual league meetings on Tuesday, as shared by Justin Rogers of The Detroit News. "Trying to defend that guy has been something else. We played them two years ago. But, man, we got a quarterback. So, I'm like, 'We got a quarterback and thank God we got one.' And, so, we're good. But, man, he's a heck of a talent." 

Campbell spoke highly of Goff during a conversation with NFL Network's Tom Pelissero on Monday but did not emphatically rule out making a move for Jackson at that time. On Tuesday, Campbell indicated the Lions could use either overall pick No. 6 or choice No. 18 on a signal-caller who would eventually replace Goff. 

Goff is signed through the 2024 season. 

"This year, as with most, you're always looking to upgrade," Campbell explained. "And free agency has given us the ability in areas to, man, we can do whatever we need to do in the draft. We feel pretty good about that. We don't feel forced to do anything—'You got to take this.' And so with that, I would say, man, it doesn't matter what the position is, if we can upgrade our team top to bottom, we will do that." 

Assuming Campbell was speaking honestly, it appears Jackson is already low on options if he and the Ravens don't work things out. Along with the Lions, the Washington Commanders, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, and San Francisco 49ers are among teams that have either gone in other directions at quarterback or confirmed they won't be reaching out to Jackson while he's on the non-exclusive franchise tag.

As of the final week in March, it sounds like the Indianapolis Colts are the only team seriously considering making an offer to Jackson that the Ravens ultimately could match. Baltimore could also accept two first-round draft picks for Jackson's services if a different organization is willing to give him the type of fully guaranteed salary he allegedly wants.