Panthers GM addresses speculation about Ravens' Lamar Jackson

The Carolina Panthers have repeatedly been mentioned as one team that eventually could consider acquiring Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson this spring or summer. 

Carolina general manager Scott Fitterer didn't sound overly enthusiastic about the idea while speaking with reporters on Monday. 

"Like anything, you always have a conversation," Fitterer explained about possibly pursuing Jackson, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "But we were looking… He’s a great option — a really expensive option. But we’re focused on more of the draft picks at this point." 

Carolina generated headlines earlier this month by landing the No. 1 pick in this year's draft from the Chicago Bears in a blockbuster trade. According to PFT's Josh Alper, the Panthers have since "suggested that they’d be open to trading back down in order to recoup some of the assets they sent to the Bears." 

The Ravens used the non-exclusive franchise tag to retain Jackson's rights for 2023 ahead of the start of free agency. Jackson, who somewhat controversially is still moving forward without an agent, is now free to begin negotiating with other teams. Baltimore can match any offer made for Jackson or receive two first-round draft picks in return for the one-time NFL Most Valuable Player. 

Jackson isn't just "a really expensive option" due to the picks a club such as the Panthers would have to send the Ravens for his services. The 26-year-old reportedly wants to sign a long-term contract similar to the fully guaranteed five-year, $230M deal the Cleveland Browns gave Deshaun Watson last offseason. Thus far, it's assumed neither the Ravens nor any other team is willing to give Jackson that much guaranteed cash. 

Somewhat interestingly, Simmons hinted that reports about the Ravens wanting at least one team to set the market for Jackson may be accurate. 

"There is a general belief that the Ravens are willing to match most contract proposals," Simmons added about Jackson. 

Unlike franchises such as the Bears or Miami Dolphins, the Panthers currently have no starting quarterback cemented atop their depth chart who would be offended by his employer reaching out to Jackson. As others have pointed out, Fitterer not going after Jackson on March 20 isn't the same as the executive passing on the signal-caller through the July 17 deadline for Jackson and the Ravens to reach a contract agreement.