Now that the Baltimore Ravens have placed their non-exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson, he has the liberty to discuss the terms of a potential new contract with any team he wants.
Somewhat surprisingly, there has been very little interest in him so far from other NFL squads, despite the fact that he’s just a few years removed from winning a league MVP award.
Star pass rusher J.J. Watt, who recently announced his retirement after 12 seasons, is legitimately puzzled that no one seems to be in hot pursuit of Jackson.
Why are all of these teams so publicly “out” on Lamar Jackson, an MVP winner in his prime at the most important position in the entire NFL?
What am I missing here?
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 7, 2023
Jackson is one of the best rushers at his position, and it is a skill that allowed him to gain over 750 yards on the ground in each of the last four seasons.
That skill helped the Ravens finish second in rushing yards this past season and first during his MVP campaign in 2019.
However, his production as a passer has declined ever since, and he was down to just 2,242 yards and 17 touchdowns on a career-low 62.3 percent completion rate this past season.
Teams and fans alike also have concerns about the durability of dual-threat QBs such as Jackson, and the proof is in the pudding for him.
He has missed five games apiece in both of the last two seasons, and he has played a full campaign only once, which came in his rookie season when he started just seven games.
If he comes to terms on a deal with another team, Baltimore can either match it, or it can let him walk and receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.
NEXT:
NFL Agent Brings Up Idea Of Collusion Against Lamar Jackson
