Things are getting very interesting for the Baltimore Ravens.
The organization is not willing to give Lamar Jackson a new contract, and though he’s been franchise-tagged, he wants a deal similar to what the Cleveland Browns gave Deshaun Watson. Jackson, a former NFL Most Valuable Player in 2019, has requested a trade from the Ravens. He shared this news on Twitter in a letter thread to his fans. As he goes to the free agent market to show Baltimore that other teams will pay him his worth, the Ravens could need a quarterback in the NFL Draft.
A letter to my Fans
I want to first thank you all for all of the love and support you consistently show towards me. All of you are amazing and I appreciate y’all so much. I want you all to know not to believe everything you read about me. Let me personally answer your questions
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023
in regards to my future plans. As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value, any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023
win the super bowl. You all are great but 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 Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023
Baltimore has the No. 22 overall pick, but it could make a deal with the Carolina Panthers for the No. 1 pick.
RELATED: Bryce Young expected to visit DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans
Carolina is trying to build a solid team under new head coach Frank Reich, but it needs a quarterback.
Jackson has experience in the league as a former first-round pick and would make the Panthers the best team in the NFC South. Carolina could get a veteran signal-caller and Baltimore could restart its franchise at quarterback should both teams agree to a trade. Bryce Young, a University of Alabama alum, would be the prize for the Ravens. Baltimore could build a team with talent around Young as he’s on a rookie contract. Ozzie Newsome, a former general manager of the Ravens, is the Executive Vice President of Player Personnel for the team. As a former Crimson Tide player, Newsome loves getting Alabama players to the Ravens. He would not pass up an opportunity to bring a Heisman-winning quarterback from his Alma mater to his pro team. Young to the Ravens makes a lot of sense, especially with it not wanting to pay a huge ticket price for Jackson.
Click here to follow the Bama Elite Podcast
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
