The NFL world got a jolt on Monday as star quarterback Lamar Jackson publicly shared that he’s requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens.
It’s been a long, winding saga for Jackson and the Ravens, one that seems to be fixated on Jackson wanting a fully guaranteed deal, similar to the one Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson got last March.
With Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers also on the trading block, we could see two major NFL quarterbacks traded sooner than later.
While Baltimore maintains that Jackson isn’t going anywhere, public gestures like the ones Jackson has made usually end in a parting of the ways.
If the Ravens really are willing to trade Jackson after this trade request, where might he land?
We’ve got five teams that make a lot of sense picked out, including two in the AFC.
Atlanta Falcons
While the Atlanta Falcons reportedly are “out” on a Lamar Jackson trade, you can’t rule any team with quarterback questions “out” right now. The Falcons still make the most sense of any team in the NFL to make this happen.
While the team signed quarterback Taylor Heinicke at the top of free agency and told him he was going to back up quarterback Desmond Ridder, it still feels like the Falcons could make a move for Jackson if they really wanted to do that.
Jackson would indeed fit in seamlessly with head coach Arthur Smith’s offense, and the Falcons still have around $20 million in cap space, per OTC. Having Jackson would reinvigorate a sluggish Falcons fan base that hasn’t seen its team play in January since 2018.
Ridder looked progressively better in his four starts, but is the team really that confident that he can take over as the franchise’s quarterback?
While the Falcons really may just stick to what they’re doing, you still can’t rule them out until a trade is made.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions ended 2022 as one of the hottest teams in the NFL, and trading for Lamar Jackson would get Motor City revving up for a new dawn of Lions football.
The Lions have nearly $25 million in cap space to fit a deal on the books, and the team could trade quarterback Jared Goff to Baltimore as part of the deal and clear $20 million in additional cap money.
In Detroit, Jackson would pair with one of the most exciting young play callers in the NFL in Ben Johnson and get a heck of an offensive line blocking for him.
The Lions also have two first-round picks in this year’s NFL Draft, one of which is in the top 10. If Detroit wants to set itself up as, yes, one of the best teams in the NFC, a Jackson trade would absolutely cement that.
The Lions have suffered long enough. This would be a great fit for all involved.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders don’t really have much cap space to make a Jackson deal work right now, but they still feel like plausible contenders.
The NFC East isn’t getting any easier, and Washington is likely to stay in the division’s basement until they figure out the quarterback situation.
The team has quarterback Sam Howell and signed quarterback Jacoby Brissett, but neither of those guys can give you what Jackson can.
It remains to be seen what effect controversial owner Dan Snyder potentially selling the team would have on a seismic move like this, but Washington would likely do what it had to money-wise to get a deal like this done.
However, Jackson would get a heck of a play caller in new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, and the Commanders have a nice arsenal of offensive weapons at their disposal. This landing spot makes a lot of sense.
Indianapolis Colts
While the Ravens really may not want to trade Lamar Jackson into the AFC, the Colts feel like a team that could make the Godfather offer: the one you just cannot refuse.
New head coach Shane Steichen (or Dax Shepard, depending on who you ask) had a dual-threat wonder in Philadelphia with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. He’d know exactly how to tailor Indy’s offense to Jackson’s strengths.
Plus, team owner Jim Irsay would absolutely give Jackson the deal he wants if that meant he could get Lucas Oil Stadium popping again on Sundays. He’s one of the league’s more unpredictable owners.
The Colts have the fourth-overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, and it’s very plausible to see Indy wanting to trade for Jackson as opposed to drafting a rookie quarterback. The offensive line in Indianapolis needs some work, but there is plenty of talent there for Jackson to work with right now.
Tennessee Titans
While the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans have traditionally been fierce rivals, the changes going on in Tennessee could make them eager to get a deal done (especially if Indianapolis is interested) for Lamar Jackson.
The Titans could send quarterback Ryan Tannehill to Baltimore as a stop-gap option for the Ravens, and that would clear $17 million off the books for Tennessee.
Jackson would join a Titans offense that boasts star running back Derrick Henry, so the quarterback wouldn’t have as much pressure on him to use his legs. New general manager Ran Carthon could make a major splash by bringing Jackson to Nashville with this move.
The Titans have the pick No. 11 in the draft, and they could send that and more Baltimore’s way to give themselves the jolt they need to stay afloat in a changing AFC South.
