After dominating the headlines for months on end, the Lamar Jackson trade market has cooled off in recent days. As things currently stand, the quarterback appears to be at a standstill with the team, and the Odell Beckham signing appears to imply that Jackson will return for at least one more season.
However, with all that being said, the former MVP is still under the non-exclusive franchise tag, which means that other teams could make an offer that Baltimore can’t match. Even though every single team in the league has decided not to publicly pursue Jackson, that could change in the lead-up to the 2023 NFL Draft.
A Lamar Jackson Trade Could Be Coming Soon
New Ownership Makes A Splash
Dan Snyder has officially sold the Washington Commanders, which means that there is a new group of faces writing the checks. Snyder was easily the worst owner in the entire NFL, so the fanbase should welcome Josh Harris and the new ownership like heroes liberating a village. That being said, if Harris and company really want to show that they’re all about winning, they could convince the football minds to go after Lamar Jackson.
The Washington Commanders haven’t had a true franchise quarterback in literal decades. While the organization has publicly committed to 2022 fifth-round pick Sam Howell, he’s not exactly the type of guy that will excite a fanbase. Plus, if he’s not up for the challenge, Washington will have to turn to Jacoby Brissett, and while he played well last year, he’s nobody’s idea of a franchise quarterback.
Orchestrating a trade for Lamar Jackson would be the type of move a new owner makes to let his fans know that he’s not content with the decades of mediocrity established by the previous regime. While it may be a little risky, fortune favors the bold, and Jackson could help this team compete in what should be one of the better divisions in football. Plus, there is also the chance that Jackson has a career year working with the best supporting cast he’s ever had.
New York Jets Need A Plan B
The New York Jets are not publicly worried about the delays in the seemingly-inevitable Aaron Rodgers trade, but as we get closer and closer to the NFL Draft, Rodgers’ continued presence in Green Bay becomes more and more worrisome.
According to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, the Jets and Packers are locked in a stalemate, and neither side wants to budge. Green Bay wants a first-round pick in exchange for the four-time MVP, but New York refuses to pay that heavy ransom for a 40-year-old quarterback.
If the two sides can’t work out a deal prior to the 2023 NFL Draft, then there is a very real chance that Aaron Rodgers will not play a down for the New York Jets. The team cannot afford to go back to Zach Wilson, and all of the adequate free agent quarterbacks already have new homes. So, with that in mind, don’t be surprised if the Jets change their trade target and go after Lamar Jackson.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
