Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Insider believes Ravens should explore trading Lamar Jackson

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 12/25/22

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is a two-time Pro Bowler, a First Team All-Pro selection and an NFL MVP, and he’s not even 26 yet.

For those reasons, NFL insider Jason La Canfora believes it would behoove the Ravens — both financially and in terms of compensation — to trade Jackson during the offseason if both sides remain at a stalemate with Jackson’s contract negotiations.

“A quarterback of this stature and still this young (he turns 26 in January) playing on the franchise tag is generally a losing proposition for the team, to say nothing of a $45M cap figure that would complicate roster construction,” La Canfora wrote in the Washington Post. “A trade may be the only way out. In fact, that projects as a less surprising outcome by the week.”

The Ravens could trade Lamar Jackson for a haul of draft picks.

Then insert Anthony Richardson into the same offense on a rookie contract.
— Jeff Bell (@4WhomJBellTolls) December 23, 2022

Jackson holds NFL records for single-season rushing yards by a QB (1,206), 1,000-yard rushing seasons by a QB (two), and most games with 100 yards rushing by a QB (12).

In 12 games this year, Jackson has thrown for 2,242 yards, rushed for 764 yards and scored 20 total touchdowns with seven interceptions and a passer rating of 91.1. Any trade involving the former Heisman Trophy winner is likely to include a combination of multiple draft picks and players.

For comparison, the Seattle Seahawks traded 33-year-old QB Russell Wilson and a fourth-round pick to the Denver Broncos for two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, and quarterback Drew Lock.

“The Ravens will place an exclusive rights franchise tag on Jackson early in the offseason (projected to be in the neighborhood of $45M fully guaranteed),” La Canfora continued. “And if the sides cannot come to a long-term deal by April — I would be quite surprised if they did — then prepare for Lamar Jackson Trade Rumor Season to be in full force as we head toward the draft.”

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