Ravens get QB of the future in latest blockbuster trade scenario
The Indianapolis Colts reportedly aren’t 100% sold on the class of quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL draft, and the Baltimore Ravens seem hesitant to give quarterback Lamar Jackson the type of mega contract he’s seeking.
Fortunately, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has a solution for both teams which he unveiled in his latest mock draft that has the Colts trading the No. 4 overall pick plus an additional future first rounder to Baltimore for Jackson. Brugler then believes the Ravens would draft Florida’s Anthony Richardson fourth overall.
“'Trading' for Lamar Jackson by signing him to an offer sheet that the Ravens don’t match would be an expensive proposition, obviously, but Jackson is a proven commodity who would be a ton of fun in Shane Steichen’s offense,” Brugler wrote. “He’d make the Colts immediate contenders for a deep playoff run. As for the Ravens, they’d swap a proven playmaking talent at quarterback for a potentially playmaking talent. But they’d also reset their quarterback clock and maintain financial flexibility to build up the rest of the roster, which is a priority for the organization.”
Jackson would solve perhaps Indianapolis’ biggest problem — a consistent, reliable option under center. The team has used 11 different quarterbacks since 2015 and has had a different starting quarterback every season since Andrew Luck retired after the 2018 season.
The move would also get the Ravens out from paying the presumed $200M in guaranteed money Jackson is reportedly seeking and they gain a player on a team-friendly rookie contract with a similar skillset to Jackson.
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