NFL executives linking Ravens' Lamar Jackson with Falcons?

Yet another story is linking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson with the Atlanta Falcons this winter. 

For a piece published Tuesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN noted that "top league executives" asked to produce "bold takes only" said they could see Jackson ending up with the Falcons this offseason. 

"I don't think Baltimore wants to deal (Jackson) in conference and have to see him on the field," one high-ranking AFC executive told Fowler. Fowler also pointed out that the Falcons have an estimated $56 million in salary-cap space and, theoretically, could give Jackson the type of fully guaranteed contract he reportedly wanted from Baltimore last spring and summer. 

"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," one scouting director said about the Falcons. "Not sure if that's their plan, but it would make some sense."

Last week, NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported that the Falcons and Carolina Panthers could become realistic landing spots for Jackson, in part because Baltimore presumably would want to get the one-time NFL Most Valuable Player out of the conference if he doesn't re-sign. 

Additionally, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio believes the Miami Dolphins could at least kick the tires on acquiring the 26-year-old who remains in the final months of his rookie contract. 

Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta strongly insisted last Thursday that Jackson isn't going anywhere even if the club has to use the franchise tag.

One AFC executive pointed out to Fowler that the Ravens have "built their entire offense around" Jackson and likely won't want to start from scratch with a different option regardless of who could be available when the new league year opens in March.