The five-year run with Lamar Jackson as the quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens has not only been electrifying but has defined the age of a dual-threat quarterback. A couple of years ago a separation between the two sides seemed out of the question, but now with free agency looming and no long-term contract in sight, Jackson could be on his way out.
Both sides have talked for a long time about their appreciation for each other. Jackson has been giving hints that a split between the two sides could be on the horizon. Of course, hurt feelings don’t have to ruin big-money negotiations just last offseason, Kyler Murray landed a lucrative deal with the Cardinals despite publicly feuding with the organization. Odds are, Baltimore will at least exercise a franchise tag — likely the projected $45 million exclusive tag — to prevent Jackson from testing the open market.
Though there are a few scenarios where Jackson could move on from the Ravens franchise. The front office could exercise a non-exclusive tag that permits other teams to negotiate, knowing that two first-round picks would be involved. Baltimore could also tag and trade Jackson, allowing another team to meet the tantalizing but injury-riddled QB’s demands for a new deal, which figures to cost at least $45M-$50M per year.
In the event that Lamar Jackson becomes available, here are 10 suitors, plus a few wild cards:
New York Giants
Under Brian Daboll, Daniel Jones has done everything he needs to in order to earn a contract extension and become the improbable face of the franchise. Though the Giants have a lot of money at their disposal heading into the offseason, it might be hard to avoid a dual-threat QB like Jackson. The defensive coordinator, Wink Martindale, spent four years with Baltimore before joining the Giants which means he knows the QB well.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints also have a lot of money available heading into the offseason. The Saints pursued Deshaun Watson a year ago and are looking to spend in order to upgrade a position that they have not had a franchise player at since Drew Brees retired. This move would allow the Ravens to move Jackson out of the AFC entirely.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers may be in the need of a new QB depending on if Tom Brady decides to find a new team or retire. Though with so many great players still active and in their primes, it wouldn’t make sense to head toward a rebuild. With the Buccaneers, Jackson would get to play in his home state and he’d have two elite options at wide receiver in Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are better suited for a prototypical pocket-passing QB rather than a mobile dual-threat. Though, you have to keep the options open, especially if an elite QB like Jackson becomes available. The Raiders seem more like a favorite for Jimmy Garoppolo but either way Derek Carr will be in a new uniform next season.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders have not had a franchise QB since Robert Griffin III or Kirk Cousins, and they’ve been active in the veteran QB market over the last three seasons. Ron Rivera‘s best seasons came in Carolina when he had a mobile Cam Newton, so Lamar Jackson is a perfect option for his offense.
New England Patriots
After a great rookie season by Mac Jones, it looked as if Bill Belichick had found their replacement for Brady. However, Jones struggled mightily in his sophomore season. The 70-year-old Belichick might not be at it much longer and has gone on record praising Jackson in the past, so there’s potential here for the pair to connect.
Carolina Panthers
Much like the Commanders, the Panthers haven’t had a franchise QB to build around since Newton. The Panthers have a WR that they could potentially build around with an elite QB in, D.J. Moore. Though, the only thing they don’t really have is much cap space to maneuver.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have a few questions at QB heading into the offseason. Will Tua Tagovailoa play again after two concussions this last season? If he can go, will he be the same player? That’s all stuff that they will have to answer internally before making any further moves at the QB spot. Tagovailoa took key strides toward having his best year, though Jackson is already established and would have the best receiving corps he’s ever had with both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle out wide.
Atlanta Falcons
Marcus Mariota has never been able to sustain a starting job and lost his to rookie Desmond Ridder this season, though many expected that. They may not have the WR corps that the Dolphins do but they have the money ($56.8 million) to make a huge splash.
New York Jets
After many years of mediocrity at the QB position, the Jets are still searching for someone to build around. Sophomore QB Zach Wilson doesn’t seem like that guy either, with that being said the Jets have not had a QB sustain the starting position for more than three years since Chad Pennington (2002-2007).
Lamar Jackson Wild Cards:
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have been part of a veteran QB carousel, and everyone knows that needs to end at some point. Lamar Jackson would provide them with a long-term investment, but the Colts are projected to get Bryce Young in many NFL mock drafts. A new start with a rookie QB may be a better investment to make for a young team.
Seattle Seahawks
After many expected the Seahawks to head toward a rebuild, they proved that their playoff window is still open. Geno Smith played great in his first season as the Seahawks’ QB, but can he do it again? Jackson seems like a better fit for Carroll’s system than any other team: a QB who can escape the pocket and throw on the run with ease. If Jackson landed in the Northwest, he’d have two reliable options at wideout.
Minnesota Vikings
By now, Kirk Cousins has proven he is not ‘The Guy’ to get the job done. They could explore trades this offseason as they already did last year. With a potential Offensive Player of the Year at WR in Justin Jefferson, Minnesota seems like a good fit for Jackson. Though, the Vikings would have to offload some salary in order to land Jackson.
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