Despite free agency opening up and teams having the opportunity to discuss a contract with him, the market for quarterback Lamar Jackson has been dead silent. More teams have come out and said that they are not going to pursue him than teams showing interest, as things seem to have come to a crossroads for him.
Lamar Jackson is a former MVP that has won 45 out of the 61 games that he has started in his career. The Baltimore Ravens have made the playoffs in three seasons under his watch, yet quarterback-needy teams are showing no interest in him.
It is a truly bizarre situation, as something has to give eventually. Either a team will step up and make an offer to Lamar Jackson, forcing the Ravens to decide if they want to match the offer sheet, or he will work out a long-term deal to remain in Baltimore.
As a non-exclusive franchise-tagged player, Lamar Jackson is allowed to negotiate with other teams. However, the Ravens have the right to match any deal that he may sign. If they opt not to match, Baltimore will receive two first-round picks in return.
That is something plenty of franchises around the NFL should strongly consider. Adding a quarterback of Lamar Jackson’s caliber would turn a number of teams into instant contenders as he is one of the most dynamic players in the league.
One NFL analyst would love to see Lamar Jackson on the move. Rob Ninkovich would love to see him suit up for his former team, the New England Patriots. He believes New England would become division favorites and be right back in the Super Bowl hunt.
That is certainly a bold take from Ninkovich, as the AFC East is looking like one of the best divisions in the NFL. The Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and Miami Dolphins would all have a thing or two to say about a Lamar Jackson-led Patriots squad being the favorites in the division.
It would certainly make for some excellent matchups throughout the season. Josh Allen is a perennial MVP candidate, Tua Tagovailoa is one of the young emerging stars at the position and Aaron Rodgers could be calling the Jets home any day.
Knowing that is the competition they are stacked up against, it would make sense for the Patriots to at least explore the possibility of adding Lamar Jackson as he is a sizable upgrade over Mac Jones right now. With less than a two-year age gap between the players, New England would still be set up well for the future with Lamar Jackson under center.
