Lamar Jackson’s future with the Baltimore Ravens remains murky. He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent. And while the Ravens have expressed an interest in bringing him back, there seems to be a disconnect between the organization and player. But on Monday, Baltimore made a move that seems to signal an interest in bringing Jackson back by signing a relative.
Trayvon Mullen has had a disappointing career since being selected by the then-Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He’s had issues staying on the field, particularly over the 2021 and 2022 seasons, when he played a combined 14 games. Following the 2021 season, the Raiders traded Mullen to the Arizona Cardinals. In December, he was released by the Cardinals and signed by the Dallas Cowboys. Mullen was released by the Cowboys a day before their season-ending loss.
On Monday, the Ravens claimed Mullen.
The Ravens have claimed CB Trayvon Mullen off of waivers from the Cowboys. He was a 2019 second-round pick of the Raiders.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 23, 2023
It’s certainly possible that the Ravens see Mullen as a reclamation project, someone who hasn’t lived up to his potential but at 25, is still young enough to get there. It’s also worth noting that Mullen and Jackson are cousins.
The connection between Mullen and Jackson did not go unnoticed.
Lamar Jackson’s cousin. pic.twitter.com/NJ3JHCV4oI https://t.co/Z04pGmtMNs
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) January 23, 2023
"Hey, Lamar. Here's our latest offer. On an unrelated note… your cousin is now a Raven."#RavensFlock https://t.co/Gg2YSA6m4V pic.twitter.com/Lins9bBrio
— Matt Wise (@TheMattWise) January 23, 2023
Lamar really Giannis 😭😭 ring coming this year for sure. Book it. https://t.co/nn9oV7tfCE
— Mally G Sloan (@PapiMally) January 23, 2023
Make sense. Trayvon and Lamar Jackson are cousins. Bring in family. https://t.co/fkhAbFHXBk
— Ray Leonard Aspuria (@AsukalAspuria) January 23, 2023
Will this guarantee that Jackson will stay in Baltimore? Probably not. The two sides reportedly remain far off on a deal and if that continues, Jackson’s cousin being on the team is unlikely to be enough to keep him in town. That said, if the sides can get closer, this could provide enough of a nudge for Jackson to return.
[Field Yates on Twitter]
