15 April 2023 , 16:37
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Lamar Jackson has told the Baltimore Ravens that he wants the team to sign two players before he agrees to remain with the team.
Jackson rocked the Ravens last month when he asked to be traded away from the franchise. It came after the two parties failed to come to terms on a long-term contract extension, after around 18 months of back-and-forth communications.
The Ravens assured themselves that they would not lose Jackson in free agency when they slapped the non-exclusive franchise tag on him, which allows Jackson to speak to other teams regarding a trade.
Should the player receive an offer, the tag allows the Ravens to match it, and if they do not, that team would send Baltimore two first-round draft picks.
But Jackson has decided that he wishes to move on from the team, being frustrated at the team's unwillingness to match his demands, stating why he did so last month.
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The Ravens themselves have been clear in their wish to not trade him, and have already made moves in order to keep him around.
According to recent reports from former general manager Michael Lombardi, Jackson told the team to sign both Odell Beckham Jr and DeAndre Hopkins and then he will speak to them about remaining with the team.
The Ravens have already brought in one of those, after the acquisition of blockbuster wide receiver Beckham Jr was confirmed this week, signing on a one-year, $15 million deal.
Lamar Jackson has now given the Ravens an indication that he might want to stayHopkins reportedly remains available via trade, but it could be difficult for the team to fit both him and Beckham Jr's contracts into their salary cap, while also looking to keep hold of Jackson.
Unfortunately for wantaway Jackson, he might not have another option to remain with the team, with no known franchise putting any kind of serious offer to make him their starter.
A number of teams, including the Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts have been linked, and whilst none of them currently have quarterbacks on their roster even close to the calibre of former MVP Jackson, it currently appears that they will not make a move to acquire him.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh repeatedly claimed that he expects Lamar Jackson to be the team's quarterback for the 2023 season.
"That’s my guy," Harbaugh was saying when speaking about Jackson - although the head coach is known for being a huge fan of the talented quarterback. Whether the franchise can come to terms on a deal remains one of the off-season's most intriguing storylines.