Lamar Jackson Requests a Trade, Colts and Patriots Top Favorites for Landing the QB

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson requested a trade this Monday, announcing his decision to leave the franchise from Maryland. All this happened in the moments when Ravens’ head coach John Harbaugh attended a meeting with the media.

Jackson caused an earthquake in the NFL with his open letter, which he posted on his Twitter account. Lamar stated that he requested a trade on March 2, citing the team’s unwillingness to offer the player a contract he deserves.

“I had to make a business decision that was best for my family and I. No matter how far I go or where my career takes me, I’ll continue to be close to my fans of Baltimore Flock nation and the entire State of Maryland. You’ll See me again,” Lamar wrote.

From NFL Now: While the Lamar Jackson trade request has been in, sources say he was actively negotiating with the #Ravens as recently as last week. pic.twitter.com/W0OadSUsz9

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 27, 2023

The Ravens have put a non-exclusive tag and were projected to pay him $32.4 million. A non-exclusive tag means that Jackson had the right to negotiate with other teams, but the Ravens have kept the right to match any offer the player received. If they didn’t want to, their compensation would be two first-round picks.

Jackson and the team talked about his contract but without reaching any agreement. Reportedly, the player turned down the offer last September, which guaranteed him $133 million at signing and $200 million if he is on the roster in 2026. According to that deal, he would receive $175 million if injured, and the franchise believed this was more than enough for Jackson’s needs. On the other side, LJ, who represents himself, though otherwise.

Lamar has been the Ravens’ absolute leader, winning 45 games as a starter and losing 16 in his first five seasons. That’s the fourth-best start in the Super Bowl era, behind Mahomes, Brady, and Staubach. In 2019, Jackson won the NFL MVP award due to a fantastic season that saw him setting completely new standards for a dual-threat quarterback.

He had 3,127 passing yards, 36 passing TDs, and only six picks. On the other side, the now 26-year-old recorded 1,206 rushing yards for seven touchdowns on the ground. So far, Jackson has posted 12,206 passing yards for 101 TDs and 38 picks while collecting 4,437 rushing yards and 24 rushing scores.

Lamar Jackson to the Colts? 👀 pic.twitter.com/piFDHIKa3w

— PFF (@PFF) March 27, 2023

Half of the league will be after Jackson, but several franchises have better odds than others. Indianapolis Colts are at +225 and are the first favorite to land the superstar. They released former MVP, Matt Ryan, a veteran far from his peak. Gardner Minshew was brought to Lucas Oil Field, but with Jackson on the market, the Colts will push hard to sign him.

New England Patriots +450 are favorites for most analysts, but we need to hear Bill Belichick’s plans first. The Pats have the 14th pick, which could be useful in any trade deal.

Atlanta Falcons are at +600, and the team from Georgia was in the mix even before his trade request. The Falcons are without a QB, and are actively working on that matter, with this summer being the critical moment for executing some deal. Previously, the Falcons were after Deshaun Watson, but he decided to go to Ohio.

At last, the Detroit Lions, who have an excellent foundation for the future, are reportedly interested in replacing Jared Goff with Jackson. What gives them an advantage over other teams is that the Lions have two first-round picks, the 6th and the 18th, which perfectly suits any potential trade deal.