Lamar Jackson, New York Jets. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Lamar Jackson leaving the Ravens appears more plausible than ever before, so which NFL teams should be looking to sign the QB this offseason and why?
The foregone conclusion for a while seemed to be that the Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson would get things worked out regarding an extension. The former NFL MVP is in the final year of his contract but the team wouldn’t just let him walk, even with the potential for a monster check being cut looming, right?
Well, though we don’t know for sure, the writing on the wall doesn’t seem to be favorable for the two sides working something out. Jackson, who struggled quite a bit when healthy this season, has missed the last four games with a knee injury. And when Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was asked about his status for Week 18 and the playoffs, he seemed fed up with the situation and wouldn’t speak on it.
Given that and various reports throughout the year regarding negotiations not going particularly well, you have to wonder if a deal will be reached. Subsequently, that opens the doors for teams to make a run at Jackson, whether that means signing him or the Ravens franchise tagging and trading the quarterback.
No matter the manner, though, these four teams should be in on acquiring Lamar Jackson this offseason.
Lamar Jackson rumors: 4 NFL teams that should acquire QB this offseason and why
4
New York Jets
AFC East
Zach Wilson was a whiff but the New York Jets but Lamar Jackson could save them
Whenever the New York Jets selected Zach Wilson second overall in the 2021 draft, it was a decision made with the thought that the BYU product would be the franchise quarterback for Gang Green. That has decisively not been the case.
Wilson, to put it bluntly, has been horrendous for the Jets. He’s been erratic when on the field, injury prone to limit his availability, and it has spoken volumes how much more competent the offense has looked whenever someone like Mike White has been forced to start in his stead. And now this has all seemingly come to a head with New York preparing to move on after two seasons.
But what makes Lamar Jackson such an intriguing option isn’t just the need at quarterback — it’s that quarterback might be one of the only things the Jets need to truly compete. New York was on the verge of making the playoffs this season in spite of the horrendous and inconsistent quarterback play from Wilson and the backups.
Quinnen Williams and the defense have been built well, especially with rookie Sauce Gardner now leading the secondary, while the offensive line has been built well and the weapons offensively are numerous. Adding Jackson to this mix, especially playing him with the best receiving corps of his career, could create something special for both parties.