Lamar Jackson sat out the final six games due to a grade two PCL knee sprain, including the Baltimore Ravens wild card loss to their rival, the Cincinnati Bengals. Rumors came out that he was healthy enough to play, but the Ravens and Lamar had differences, resulting in him not playing. Now, Jackson has requested a trade on March 2nd, and 25 days later, on March 27th, reports came out that it was true, via his social media page.
Dual Threat QB
From Jackson’s time at Louisville, he was labeled as a dual-threat quarterback and it translated to the NFL well, but many thought he should switch to wide receiver during the combine. Because of those assumptions, Lamar did not run the 40-yard dash, instead he focused on his passing techniques. Rumor has it he ran a four, three-four 40 yard dash, which would be the fast 40-yard dash by any quarterback.
As Jackson took over for injured Joe Flacco in 2018, he finished six and one, leading the Baltimore Ravens to a AFC North division title, clinching the postseason. Over that stretch, he posted 1,201 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, three interceptions, with 695 rushing yards, and five touchdowns. That’s roughly 171 passing yards per game and 99 yards rushing a game.
In 2019, though, he took the league by storm, cementing himself as the top quarterback in the league, winning the unanimous MVP (most valuable player) award. He registered a season to remember, registering 3,127 passing yards, 36 passing touchdowns, six interceptions, 66% completion percentage, 83.0 QBR (quarterback rating), rushing for 1,206 yards for seven touchdowns. Lamar went on winning the MVP award, Offensive player of the year, while being named a All-Pro, and getting named to the Pro Bowl.
From 2020-2022, the numbers did decline but that was more to due with the lack of help, losing Marquise Brown, his top receiver in 2019, and the Ravens trying to try out old veterans that they think will work, like Sammy Watkins. Devin Duvernay is not bad, but he’s not a number one wide receiver on a at least thought to be championship contending roster in the AFC.
Potential Suitors
- Atlanta Falcons – In need of a quarterback if Desmond Ridder doesn’t work out, the Falcons could look to add an elite quarterback at the position, and shipping Ridder to Baltimore most likely, in an effort to compete for the NFC South, which is a very weak division. Lamar would bring Atlanta to a NFC Championship game ceiling.
- New York Jets – With the Jets failures of Sam Darnold, Mike White, and Zach Wilson, they could look to acquire Lamar Jackson instead of a rumored Aaron Rodgers trade. With Lamar, they would get younger rather than older if they went with Rodgers, more versatile, durable, and ability to extend plays. The Jets are a team on the rise and they should go all in if they want to have the ability to compete for an AFC Championship.
- New England Patriots – Are the Patriots past the Mac Jones era? Bailey Zappe? What if they acquired Lamar Jackson? It might be a headache again though, with Lamar’s best receiver being Devante Parker, Juju smith Schuster and Hunter Henry. Those are names of receivers who are declining year in, year out. Probably not a place Lamar would want to go, but Bill Belichick might have a say in that. Remember the last time he had an elite quarterback?
Get the latest sports news via Fantom Sports Industries. Follow us on Twitter via @Fantom_sports. Like us on Facebook via Fantom Sports Industries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel via Fantom Sports. Subscribe to our Newsletter! Shop Fantom Sports Industries Merch.
Invest in your favorite athletes like stocks with “Prediction Strike!” Use code FANTOM when you sign up
