When NFL teams make aggressive moves up to the No. 1 pick in the draft, it is often in the hopes of landing a Lamar Jackson-level quarterback. Of course, right now there is a chance for teams to sign Jackson himself, after the Ravens used the non-exclusive franchise tag on him. As a result, other teams can make offers to the former MVP, while the Ravens have the option to match, or receive two first-round picks if Jackson signs elsewhere.
After making a trade with the Bears to secure the top pick in the 2023 draft, the Panthers have been very open about their pursuit of a quarterback in that spot. When asked about the possibility of going in a different direction and making an offer to the 26-year-old Jackson, general manager Scott Fitterer gave a telling answer about the team’s mindset.
According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, Fitterer said that the team is focused on using the No. 1 pick on a quarterback, calling Jackson a “great option” but “a really expensive option.”
