NFL players across the league are expressing their confusion as to what’s going on with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens gave Jackson a non-exclusive franchise tag that could open the window for a possible trade that could net Baltimore two first-round picks in return.
However, multiple reports immediately surfaced that teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers were not planning on pursuing the former MVP despite an immediate need at QB. The Las Vegas Raiders reportedly haven’t ruled out the possibility of trading for Jackson.
There has been much ado about Jackson wanting roughly the same fully guaranteed contract that Deshaun Watson received last March from the Cleveland Browns.
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti mentioned last year that Watson’s deal could make this process more challenging for others who want the same type of contract.
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti on Deshaun Watson's $230 million guaranteed contract: "I don't know that he should've been the first guy to get a fully guaranteed contract. To me, that's something that is groundbreaking, and it'll make negotiations harder with others."
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) March 29, 2022
No one knows for certain exactly what is going to happen in Jackson’s future, but the league’s players, past and present, are weighing in on the lack of Jackson’s immediate interest.
Current and former NFL players had plenty of thoughts on the Lamar Jackson situation.
When is the last time a league MVP was treated so disrespectfully?? I feel some kind of way about it – And don’t tell me what was offered to him, show me!!!
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) March 7, 2023
Why are all of these teams so publicly “out” on Lamar Jackson, an MVP winner in his prime at the most important position in the entire NFL?
What am I missing here?
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 7, 2023
So a former league MVP, 4th in overall wins since entering the league, entering his 5th year & the same age as incoming rookie Stetson Bennet is free to negotiate… but all these teams know before speaking to him that they’re good? Yea right there’s no collusion! https://t.co/8hXVUygRoV
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) March 7, 2023
The ravens sabotaging 8
— Tyler Boyd (@boutdat_23) March 7, 2023
This LJ8 news is crazy !!
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) March 7, 2023
Lamar Jackson is a Unanimous MVP, has lead the NFL in Passing Touchdowns, is 26 years old, is 45-16 as a starter and All the QB needy teams are saying they aren’t interested. Don’t smell right to me.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 7, 2023
Facts!!! https://t.co/jD6zD6xRN8
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 7, 2023
Lamar Jackson might as well take the year off man . 🤷🏽♂️
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) March 8, 2023