The contentious standoff between Lamar Jackson and the Ravens went up a notch on Wednesday.
At the club’s NFL draft luncheon, General Manager Eric DeCosta did not want to discuss Jackson’s status.
“I think out of just respect for the process, this is a draft luncheon. And we’re going to try to keep as much of this discussion as we can to the draft,” said DeCosta.
However, DeCosta was asked whether the Ravens are taking a different approach in regards to this draft’s available crop of quarterbacks any differently given Jackson’s current situation.
“You know, I don’t think we really are,” DeCosta said. “We really do try to build a board around the best player available.”
When pressed on whether the club would select a signal-caller in the first round, DeCosta gave an answer that may not make Jackson happy, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer: “I’d say there’s probably more than 4 guys that can be significant quarterbacks in this league [in the draft]. … I’d have to say yes because we have QBs in our Top 31.”
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta adds: "I'd say there's probably more than 4 guys that can be significant quarterbacks in this league [in the draft]." Asked if QB would be a consideration in Round 1, says it comes down to the board: "I'd have to say yes because we have QBs in our Top 31." https://t.co/4crXn5kifs
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 5, 2023
The Ravens placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, which permits the dual-threat signal-caller to negotiate a contract with other teams while still allowing Baltimore the right to match any offer. If the club decides the offer is simply too rich, his new club would have to surrender two first-round picks.
