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

What does OBJ signing with Ravens mean for Lamar Jackson?

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 4/10/23

There have been several rumors of a Baltimore Ravens trade of disgruntled quarterback Lamar Jackson ever since the team placed the franchise tag on him in March.

Jackson took to social media a short while later and indicated that he requested a trade from the Ravens, leading to further speculation about a move to an AFC rival.

While it's unclear where the Ravens and Jackson stand, the signing of three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. on Easter Sunday could change the dynamic.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Jackson was actively recruiting OBJ to Baltimore before the veteran receiver inked a large one-year contract with the organization.

This indicates that Jackson expects to remain with Baltimore for at least the 2023 season. This is especially true given the fact the Ravens are paying Beckham Jr. $15 million in total guarantees after he missed the entire 2022 season due to a torn ACL. You don’t throw out that type of cash at this point in the offseason if your quarterback situation is unsettled.

Jackson, Beckham Jr. and the Ravens’ dynamic

On the field, OBJ likely couldn’t have found a better fit. Last season saw current free agent Demarcus Robinson lead Baltimore receivers with a mere 48 catches and 458 yards. Devin Duvernay was second with just 37 receptions.

Depending on the status of former first-round pick Rashod Bateman after he missed 11 games to injury as a sophomore, an argument can be made that Beckham Jr. is going to be the Ravens’ No. 1 receiver.

Odell Beckham Jr. career stats: 531 receptions, 7,367 yards, 56 TD

As you can see, OBJ is clearly the Ravens’ most accomplished receiver right now. The hope is that he returns to pre-injury form after suffering the aforementioned torn ACL in Feb. 2022.

As for Jackson, it was always a long shot that he’d be traded. The Indianapolis Colts have been linked to the former NFL MVP, but nothing seems close between the two parties.

Meanwhile, QB-needy teams such as the New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers have made it clear that they have no interest in pursuing him.

We know that things are rocky between Jackson and the Ravens. Contract talks dating back over a calendar year have been extremely contentious. Most recently, Jackson has taken to a public forum to air his issues.

At the very least, Jackson’s decision to recruit OBJ to Baltimore seems to suggest that he’s playing for the Ravens next season.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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