The Baltimore Ravens have signed a Lamar Jackson-friendly wide receiver in what could be a move to help convince the quarterback to return to the team.
Jackson technically still remains available on the open market after the Ravens signed him to a non-exclusive franchise tag.
Essentially, this means that Jackson is under contract with the team, but is allowed to discuss deals with others teams, with the Ravens having the chance to match that deal. Should Baltimore refuse to match, they would receive two first-round picks from the team signing Jackson.
The two parties had been in contact for 18 months, but have failed to come to an agreement on a long-term deal, with the Ravens still hoping to get a deal done.
But Jackson has yet to receive any offer from another team to leave the Ravens - a surprising situation especially with a number of teams desperate to find a franchise quarterback.
That is good news for the Ravens though, who now look to be the only real option for Jackson moving forward - potentially now having no other options but to play for the team that drafted him with the final pick of the first round in the 2018 NFL Draft first round, whether under the franchise tag or finally with a long-term extension.
And on Friday, Baltimore signed a wide receiver who would give Jackson a boost.
The team agreed a one-year deal with former first-round pick Nelson Agholor, a deep-threat, speedy receiver who has scored 31 touchdowns in his career.
Agholor is exactly the kind of receiver who thrives in Jackson's offense, with the quarterback always looking to make the big throw with his arm. Agholor has the ability to get open quickly, and has the speed to separate from defenders, a calibre of player who Jackson has done well with before - similar to Hollywood Brown who was traded to the Arizona Cardinals last off-season
In recent days, it has been reported that Jackson does favour a move away from the team after not being able to agree a long-term deal. And on Thursday the NFL warned teams against dealing with an individual who is not certified by the NFLPA and may be attempting to persuade team personnel to enter into contract negotiations with Jackson.
One reason as to why teams, including the Ravens, may be hesitant to give Jackson a huge extension is his physical status. Despite his game-changing running power, and superb play under centre, he has suffered with two injuries and missed significant time in the last two seasons.
Jackson has reportedly wanted to receive a fully-guaranteed contract, similar to that handed to Deshaun Watson by the Cleveland Browns, but this is no longer the case according to ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio.
While the 2019 MVP still wants a significant amount fully guaranteed, he is seemingly now more open to one or more non-guaranteed years on the back end of any prospective deal.
