Lamar Jackson Watch: Ranking The Five Most Likely Destinations
The case of Lamar Jackson is one of the tougher ones to evaluate this offseason.
Jackson won the 2019 NFL MVP and is a two-time Pro Bowler yet he and the Baltimore Ravens have yet to agree on a long-term contract.
This opens the door for other teams to potentially steal away the franchise quarterback.
Let’s take a look at the five most likely destinations for Jackson this offseason.
Baltimore Ravens
Opening up with the team Jackson currently plays for, the door is far from closed on an extension.
Jackson has spent the first five years of his career with the Ravens leading the team to four playoff appearances.
From an intangibles standpoint, Jackson could be the best quarterback in Ravens franchise history so why would the Ravens give up on that with no backup plan in sight?
The Ravens have struggled during the past two seasons in Jackson’s absence, to the tune of a 3-8 record.
An extension or at least franchise tag still seems like the most logical solution, but let’s not rule out other teams.
New York Jets
Now, we get to the fun part.
The Jets had a clear path to the playoffs this season with an improved defense and Breece Hall leading a strong ground game at the start of the season.
That all came crashing down mostly due to poor quarterback play.
It’s well known across the NFL landscape that the Jets will likely not be running back a quarterback room of Zach Wilson and Mike White next season.
With a window open for the Jets to make their move in the AFC, the time is now for them to swing big on Jackson and become an instant Super Bowl contender.
Gang Green is currently listed as the betting favorites for the former MVP.
Washington Commanders
Other than staying in Baltimore, this would be the closest potential destination.
The Commanders are another team with a less-than-stellar quarterback room consisting of Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke.
That almost got the Commanders into the playoffs with an 8-8-1 record as the only NFC East team to miss the postseason.
Washington has a talented receiving corps and an above average defense which could allow Jackson to thrive.
Head coach Ron Rivera is starting to feel the heat on his seat with just one playoff appearance in his three seasons in the nation's capital.
New England Patriots
Circling back to the AFC East, the Patriots came just one game away from getting back to the playoffs this season.
This came despite an offense that finished an underwhelming 17th in points per game with Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe leading the charge.
The Patriots have the defense to contend in the playoffs and should take the risk in going all-in for Jackson.
We don’t know how many seasons Bill Belichick has left in him and a talent like Jackson could start a push for another Super Bowl.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers finished strong despite a poor start to the season under Matt Rhule despite, and stop me if you’ve heard this already, a revolving door at quarterback.
This was mostly led by a pair of 2018 NFL Draft selections in Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, so why not go for another quarterback from that class.
Jackson could lead a young Panthers team in an extremely weak NFC South.
D.J Moore would serve as a reliable weapon in Carolina alongside an improving defense.
Logan Bourandas is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email lxb5412@psu.edu.
