According to the latest team odds, Impending free agent quarterback Lamar Jackson might not be a Raven for much longer. With contract talks reportedly stalling, popular oddsmaker Bookies.com believes that the Ravens only have a 15% of keeping the quarterback in 2023. According to the site, the Ravens (+550) have the fourth-best odds to retain Jackson, behind the Atlanta Falcons (+300), Carolina Panthers (+450), and Las Vegas Raiders (+500).
Updated Lamar Jackson Team Odds Don’t Look Good For Ravens
It’s no secret that the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson haven’t exactly had the easiest time during their contract negotiations. While NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport states that both Jackson and the Ravens want to keep him around, it’s hard to take that at face value. If Baltimore really believed that Jackson was their unquestioned franchise quarterback, then he’d already have a contract.
Additionally, recent reports indicate that Baltimore might use the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, which makes no sense at all if the Ravens truly valued him as an organizational cornerstone. While the non-exclusive tag is a little cheaper, it allows other teams to negotiate with Jackson and make a contract offer. The Ravens have the right to match that offer, but if they don’t, they’d receive two first-round picks in return.
This was a common thought in Indy this past week, with Atlanta considered the favorite to explore that option if it came to fruition. https://t.co/Z25bQ22HOd
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 5, 2023
Jackson hasn’t exactly been the picture of health the past few seasons, but when he’s on the field, he’s easily worth two first-round picks. Quarterback is the most important position in football, and all 32 teams would happily give up two first-round picks for an MVP-caliber player.
The Other Teams
While there is a chance Lamar Jackson sticks with the Baltimore Ravens, the betting odds suggest he’s probably going to a new team. The most likely fit is the Atlanta Falcons, which isn’t surprising. The Falcons need a quarterback in the worst way and, currently armed with the eighth overall pick, they won’t have their choice of prospects. They’d need to trade up to get their favorite quarterback, and if they feel Jackson is better than Bryce Young or the rest of the rookies, then it makes all the sense in the world for them to go after Jackson.
The Panthers at (+450), however, don’t make much sense. While they will need to trade up for their quarterback, that doesn’t sound like something they’re opposed to doing. Recent reports indicate that Carolina wants to draft their quarterback of the future, and the Panthers are reportedly in love with Anthony Richardson. Perhaps Vegas knows something I don’t, but this probably won’t come to fruition.
The only other team with better odds for Jackson than the Ravens is the Las Vegas Raiders. Once again, this is obvious. With Derek Carr gone, Vegas needs to find a new quarterback, and Josh McDaniels might not have time to develop a first-round pick. Most outlets around the league believe McDaniels’ heavy contract is the only reason he survived his first year with the Raiders, so it’s highly unlikely he makes it through another losing season.
Main Photo: Tommy Gilligan – USA Today Sports
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