As the Lamar Jackson saga continues for the Baltimore Ravens, the team is considering a backup plan.
The Ravens “have been involved in the free agent quarterback market,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Wednesday.
It’s good the Ravens are at least considering life without the former NFL MVP. Though, it’s not good that the two quarterbacks Fowler cited as possible Ravens targets reached deals elsewhere Wednesday. Baker Mayfield has agreed to a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Jacoby Brissett will play for the Washington Commanders.
The #Ravens, who face uncertainty around Lamar Jackson's future, have been involved in the free agent quarterback market, looking into options such as Baker Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett, per league sources. Baltimore appears to be looking for flexibility.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 15, 2023
The Ravens designated Jackson with the non-exclusive franchise tag, meaning the free agent can negotiate a contract with another team, but Baltimore retains the right to match the deal. If the Ravens decline, the other team would send them two first-round draft picks as compensation for the quarterback.
However, Jackson has found no takers, with reports that several teams have no interest in him.
Jackson is seeking a contract in the neighborhood of $50 million per year, guaranteed. The Ravens have reportedly hedged at that guaranteed figure, fueling the standoff between the two sides.
Now, the Jackson saga has dragged on so long that all of the top and even mid-level free agent quarterbacks have already been snatched up. Aside from Brissett and Mayfield, other recent signees include Derek Carr, Daniel Jones, Jimmy Garoppolo and Geno Smith.
The most notable names still available are Teddy Bridgewater, Gardner Minshew, Cooper Rush and Marcus Mariota. None of those QBs have ever been, nor will ever be, compared to Jackson.
