Latest in the Lamar Jackson Saga

Monday, in a “letter to his fans,” Ravens Quarterback Lamar Jackson released a tweet stating he requested a trade from Baltimore back on March 2nd.

Lamar Jackson's message to fans, letting them know he requested a trade on March 2. pic.twitter.com/D396y1qhMQ

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 27, 2023

The two sides have not been able to see eye-to-eye this offseason, with Jackson seemingly wanting a fully guaranteed contract similar to what Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson got last year.

Jackson is currently on a non-exclusive franchise tag, which allows him to negotiate with other teams. If a player on a non-exclusive tag agrees to a deal with a new team, the original team gets the opportunity to match it — similar to how restricted free agency works in the NBA.

The difference with this, though, is the Ravens are automatically awarded two first-round picks as compensation if they do not match the deal he agrees to with another team. Meaning he officially signs with that team, and that team sends their next two first round picks to Baltimore.

When Ravens head coach John Harbaugh spoke to the media at the NFL’s annual meeting, he said he hasn’t seen the tweet but was aware of it.

From NFL Now: While the Lamar Jackson trade request has been in, sources say he was actively negotiating with the #Ravens as recently as last week. pic.twitter.com/W0OadSUsz9

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 27, 2023

Negotiations

Jackson said he requested a trade because he doesn’t feel the Ravens are willing to meet his value.

The Ravens have until July 17 to reach a deal with Jackson. After that, a new deal can not be signed until the following offseason. If a deal is not met, Jackson will have a salary of $32 million this season based on the non-exclusive tag.

Many believe that this has hurt the relationship between Jackson and the Ravens organization which has led Lamar to want out of the organization. The Ravens are confident they will be able to come to an agreement and that Lamar Jackson will be their starting Quarterback when Training Camp starts on July 18th.

Precedent

Lamar Jackson was named the 2019 NFL MVP. He is one of six quarterbacks in NFL history with 10,000 passing yards and 4,000 rushing. His 12 games with 100+ rushing yards are an NFL record for Quarterbacks. A player of this caliber in a situation like this is, truly, and unprecedented thing.

Update: There's been a belief around the NFL that #Ravens are willing to trade QB Lamar Jackson for "the right offer", per@jeffzrebiechttps://t.co/bVbXkf7OVB pic.twitter.com/lDYWVkStki

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 28, 2023

Jackson does not have to play under the tag, but it will cost him $1.8 million each league week he does not participate.

Everybody league-wide is going to be holding their breath until this saga comes to an end. And who knows how long it will be until that happens.