Lamar Jackson news: 5 blatantly bizarre explanations NFL GMs and HCs have used to curve Ravens QB

It’s puzzling that no other team wants Lamar Jackson, even if the Baltimore Ravens are implicitly giving him away on a bargain. The Ravens intend to sign the quarterback to a non-exclusive franchise tag worth $32.4 million, giving other franchises a chance to match that amount. Jackson has gone public seeking a fully-guaranteed contract like Deshaun Watson’s from the Cleveland Browns.

However, no team is biting on the bait that Baltimore pulled out. Several factors have come into play, from owners considering fully-guaranteed deals as detrimental to their operations and Lamar Jackson being persecuted for not having an agent.

His injury history could also be a red flag for teams that want stability in the position. The result of giving up two first-round picks to pry Jackson away from Baltimore was lost in all the drama.

But seriously, no one wants the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player, who also led the league in passing touchdowns that year? The same guy with multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons and a 63.7 career completion percentage? Last season, Lamar Jackson could have built a strong case for his second MVP award if not for a season-ending sprained MCL.

All can be forgiven if they don’t see the one-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler as part of their long-term plans. But it’s fascinating how coaches, general managers and team owners defend their decision to stay away from a play-caller who had an 8-4 record before his injury last season. Go ahead if you want to scratch your head because their thoughts don’t make sense.

5. Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay

The Colts can make a play for Jackson, given their $19 million cap space. They can defer money to succeeding seasons and solve the problem they’ve had for years. However, they are also drafting fourth in the 2023 NFL draft, giving them an excellent opportunity to pick one of the top quarterback prospects. Irsay’s thoughts reveal that Indianapolis will go for the latter:

“As an owner, I do not believe in a fully guaranteed contract. When you have a rookie QB, it gives you the opportunity to build a franchise for the first 3 or 4 years.”

The first sentence is already against what Lamar Jackson wants to happen. But going for a rookie quarterback is a gamble, especially if he doesn’t pan out. They can put talented pieces around him, but he must make things work. Ironically, this quote comes from a franchise owner who gave the green light to have Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan solve their woes behind center.

4. New England Patriots Owner Robert Kraft

The Patriots have a quarterback in Mac Jones, but he regressed in his sophomore year. They’ve added JuJu Smith-Schuster to the receiving corps, but it’s still insufficient, especially in a division wherein all the other teams are legitimate playoff contenders. But having Lamar Jackson can mask that weakness and give opponents more headaches. However, Kraft is keeping his hands away from this matter:

“That’s Bill’s (Belichick) decision.”

Rightfully so, Belichick also serves as the team’s general manager. But how has that dynamic worked out for New England lately? Besides, isn’t Kraft the one writing the checks? Not even Meek Mill can persuade the billionaire to override his head coach/GM and bring back some excitement to Foxborough. If Aaron Rodgers gets traded to the New York Jets, the Patriots might not win a game against the AFC East squads.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles

Tom Brady’s permanent retirement left a massive void. They’ve tried to address that concern with Baker Mayfield, a quarterback who will play for his fourth team in six seasons. Yes, the Buccaneers still have a deadly receiving corps with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Russell Gage. But rewatching Odell Beckham Sr.’s video on how Mayfield repeatedly missed his wide-open son downfield won’t spark optimism.

Even then, Bowles made a lame excuse for not making a push for Lamar Jackson:

“We know it's time for us to get under the cap, and he makes a lot of money.”

Lamar Jackson deserves top dollar as a former MVP, a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro. But it’s not Bowles’ call to comment on his tag price. General manager Jason Licht and the Glazer family can create cap space if they really want him. Jackson would also be an excellent fit for the squad, given that Leonard Fournette remains unsigned.

2. Washington Commanders General Manager Martin Mayhew

The Commanders released Carson Wentz and signed Jacoby Brissett. The latter transaction is wise, considering how Brissett played during Watson’s suspension. But while he is a steady quarterback, Brissett is no Lamar Jackson. He won’t even be their Week 1 starter because they will try out a former North Carolina standout. Mayhew said:

“For us right now, we’re moving forward with Sam [Howell] and Jacoby [Brissett]."

The jury is still out on Howell, and head coach Ron Rivera will allow him to win the starting role. But what if he doesn’t? They are stuck with a game manager who might not maximize Washington’s young but talented offense. Don’t forget that the Commanders were the only NFC East team that did not make the playoffs, and they are all set at quarterback.

1. Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh

Lamar Jackson’s revelation of asking for a trade coincides with Harbaugh’s recent press conference. Still, the long-time Ravens mentor had this to say:

“That's the guy I want to see be our QB. That's my guy. We made a decision to go with Lamar Jackson five years ago. Why? Because we love him. We *love* him. We love the way he plays. We love his mindset. His charisma. His style. The way he is in the locker room. Everything about him - we love him.”

But that was a decision made five years ago. It’s now 2023, and one of the franchise’s best quarterbacks still has no long-term deal. If they loved how he played and his mindset, a contract should have been agreed upon earlier. Besides, they wouldn’t have selected Hayden Hurst in the first round of the 2018 draft if they loved him. The tight end will be playing for his fourth team in six seasons.