The Baltimore Ravens have been left scrambling to consider all of their options at quarterback heading into the 2023 NFL draft later this month.
Lamar Jackson announced at the end of March that he had requested a trade from the team earlier in the month after not getting the contract he was looking for. The 2019 MVP requested the trade on March 2 before the Ravens placed their nonexclusive franchise tag on him on March 7.
If Jackson signs an offer sheet, the Ravens would have five days to match the offer or receive two first-round picks as compensation. He would earn more than $32 million this season if he plays under the tag.
“You all (Ravens fans) are great, but I had to make a business decision that was best for my family and I,” Jackson tweeted on March 27. “No matter how far I go or where my career takes me, I’ll continue to be close to my fans of Baltimore Flock nation and the entire state of Maryland.”
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported that the Ravens are in “full contingency mode” at quarterback and are looking at every quarterback in the draft. They also reportedly tried to go after Baker Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett in free agency, but they signed with the Buccaneers and Commanders, respectively.
As for Jackson, sportsbooks released odds for his future. Offshore sportsbook BetOnline has him priced at +175 to start for the Ravens in Week 1 of the 2023 season, with ‘start for any other team’ favored at -225. He is +550 to be on a different roster but not starting.
The sportsbook also has Jackson’s total number of starts at 13.5 for the upcoming season, with the ‘over’ juiced to -150. His (undecided) team is -150 to make the playoffs and +110 to miss the postseason.
BetOnline came up with a list of potential suitors for Jackson, making the Colts the +300 ‘chalk.’ Some of the other contenders include the Falcons (+400), Lions (+500), Dolphins (+700), Patriots (+700) and Buccaneers (+800). DraftKings had a market up for Jackson’s next team on March 27, listing Indianapolis as the +250 ‘chalk.’
The Colts have the No. 4 overall pick in a draft class that includes CJ Stroud, Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson, so they could choose to go after one of those quarterbacks instead. Atlanta does not have a clear direction at that position moving forward, making the Falcons one of the top potential landing spots.
Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh was still hoping to have Jackson back under center when he met with reporters at the end of March.
“I’m getting ready for Lamar,” Harbaugh said. “When Lamar gets back on this train, it’s moving full speed…We love him.”
The Ravens are 35-1 longshots to win the Super Bowl and are 20-1 to win the AFC, according to DraftKings. Their win total is 8.5 and they are +105 to make the playoffs, although those odds would change if Jackson stayed put.