Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Lamar Jackson's tag could hamper Ravens' receiver search

By Cory Kefauver | Last updated 3/10/23

After placing the non-exclusive franchise tag on QB Lamar Jackson on Tuesday, the Baltimore Ravens have virtually no cap space, which could impact the team's efforts to upgrade its receiving corps.

Per the Athletic, Baltimore currently does not have the $32 million in space necessary to meet the March 15 deadline for salary cap compliance. Without massive salary cuts, Baltimore's receiver options on the trade market and free agency are near nil.

In the draft, meanwhile, the Ravens have struggled to find impactful wideouts in recent years.

Since 2018, per ESPN Stats & Info, the Ravens have drafted eight receivers, tied for most in the league. Despite the number of WR picks, they rank last in receptions and yards in that span.

From @ESPNStatsInfo:
Ravens have drafted 8 wide receivers since 2018 (which was when they selected Lamar Jackson), which is tied with the Broncos for most in the NFL.

Despite that investment, Ravens wide receivers rank last in the NFL in receptions and yards during that span. pic.twitter.com/Lp9y4Svw0q
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) March 3, 2023

At the NFL Scouting Combine recently, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta discussed Baltimore's lack of success in drafting a difference-maker at the position.

"We're gonna keep swinging," he said, per ESPN. "There have been some guys that have been successful players for us that were draft picks. We've never really hit on that All-Pro type of guy, which is disappointing, I would say. But it's not for lack of effort."

The value of the "All-Pro type of guy" is huge. In 2022, the passing attacks of the Eagles and Dolphins improved significantly with the additions of star wideouts A.J. Brown and Tyreek Hill, respectively.

If Jackson returns to Baltimore, it must bolster the position to compete with AFC powerhouses Buffalo and Cincinnati, who have legitimate No. 1 receivers in Stefon Diggs (Bills) and Ja'Marr Chase (Bengals).

DeCosta has said repeatedly that he wants to build a championship team with Jackson, but it will be challenging without difference-makers at receiver.

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