Possibility of Ravens trading Jackson 'never been more likely'

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Insiders: Possibility of Ravens trading Lamar Jackson 'never been more likely'

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 2/24/23

The standoff continues between the Ravens and QB Lamar Jackson amid contract talks. And now there is some more troubling news that's putting Jackson's future in Baltimore even more in doubt.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Jamison Hensley, "If there is no compromise, the possibility of the Ravens trading [Lamar] Jackson ... has never been more likely."

That feels like the direction the two sides are heading. It has been reported that Jackson is demanding a contract similar to Browns QB Deshaun Watson, who was given a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal.

The 2019 NFL MVP has sent counteroffers to the Ravens that have "all exceeded the full guarantees" given to Watson. Jackson has reportedly turned down a five-year, $250 million contract with $133 million guaranteed.

Lamar Jackson has sent counteroffers to the Ravens that "all exceeded the full guarantees" given to Deshaun Watson. @JFowlerESPN and @jamisonhensley take you inside the Jackson-Ravens standoff: https://t.co/0IFT7OcPtE pic.twitter.com/al0NGWmJgi
— ESPN (@espn) February 23, 2023

It is clear that Jackson gives Baltimore the best chance to win as the team went 2-4 without him down the stretch, losing in the wild-card round of the playoffs. But a massive, fully guaranteed contract like the one he reportedly wants could hurt the Ravens more than he could help them.

It will be interesting to see if the two sides can find a realistic compromise, but as of now, quarterback-needy teams may want to give Baltimore a call.

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