The Baltimore Ravens made a splash move on Sunday, signing veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to a massive contract worth up to $18 million next season. Many were shocked initially at the amount given to Beckham. However, it may be a worthy investment to keep star quarterback Lamar Jackson in town.
Reports emerged on Monday that Jackson was “actively recruiting” Beckham and that this deal could mean that Jackson will ultimately stay in Baltimore at least for the upcoming season.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport detailed that this likely means that Jackson will be the one throwing passes to Beckham in Baltimore.
“As far as the receiver position this is what they have been looking for,” said Rapoport. “And this is really what Lamar Jackson has been looking for. In his recruitment of Beckham, its not like he said ‘Oh I’m about to do a deal’. But there was a clear understanding that when they talk about the quarterback that will be throwing passes to Odell, it will probably be Lamar.”
From NFL Now: The Odell Beckham Jr signing with the #Ravens not only locked in a top WR… it also revealed that Lamar Jackson was actively recruiting him. He plans to be throwing passes to Beckham. pic.twitter.com/CFz7vZLTtG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 10, 2023
This is certainly significant considering Jackson shockingly requested to be traded last month due to struggles negotiating a new contract with the Ravens.
Many Ravens fans took notice of this report and are absolutely thrilled that Jackson will in all likelihood be in Baltimore next season.
HE’S STAYING IN BALTIMORE LIFE IS GOOD https://t.co/MxVrdX8MkH
— Nimesh (@nishmish02) April 10, 2023
YESSSIRRRRRRRRE LAMAR IS GONNA BE A RAVEN https://t.co/zCxpHu8sAx
— 👾 (@jpup01_) April 10, 2023
And just like I said, Lamar Jackson is staying a Raven https://t.co/bjfltp94IR
— Crumbletakes (@Crumbletakes) April 10, 2023
Well let's get ready for another season of Lamar led Ravens then. No excuses for if the Bengals win the division 3 times in a row. https://t.co/1zkblxiQYR
— Patrick Judis (@PatrickJudis) April 10, 2023
Cheering on the Ravens downfall was fun while it lasted https://t.co/fZNhJ3uANP
— Fresh Brownies (@Fresh_Brownies) April 10, 2023
While things are looking a whole lot better in Baltimore, there are still some roadblocks for Jackson to ultimately return to Baltimore next season.
Any team is still able to sign Jackson to an offer sheet since Jackson was given a non-exclusive franchise tag earlier this offseason. If that ultimately were to happen, Baltimore would need to match any contract that Jackson ultimately signs with another team to retain him.
