A couple of weeks after he received the Baltimore Ravens’ non-exclusive franchise tag, quarterback Lamar Jackson formally asked to be traded.
He is free to negotiate a potential new contract with any team he wants, and if the Ravens choose to not match such a contract, they will receive two first-round draft picks as compensation per NFL rules.
As of now, the Indianapolis Colts have the highest odds to land Jackson.
Which team would you put your money on? https://t.co/J56BrUpxSh pic.twitter.com/5Be3CBsFvQ
— SportsLine (@SportsLine) March 27, 2023
The Colts traded for veteran QB Matt Ryan last offseason in the hopes that he could stimulate a team that had missed the playoffs in 2021.
But Ryan did not resemble the player who took the Atlanta Falcons to the Super Bowl several years ago, and he was benched after the team blew a 33-0 halftime lead and lost to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15.
Jackson would be an intriguing addition to Indianapolis, as the team already boasts star running back Jonathan Taylor, one of the best at his position.
Jackson is one of the best dual-threat QBs in the NFL, and he ran for 764 yards and three touchdowns on 6.8 yards per carry in 2022 despite missing five games with a knee injury.
Indeed, durability is a concern with him, and it’s likely one of the reasons there has been little to no serious interest in him on the open market.
The other big reason has been his contract demands — he is reportedly desiring a contract similar to that of Deshaun Watson, who got a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal from the Cleveland Browns a year ago.
Jackson is a very good QB, but he is almost certainly not worth that type of contract.
NEXT: NFL Insider Names 1 Team To Watch In Making Move For Lamar Jackson
