Did Ravens blindside Lamar Jackson? Speculation rife after Todd Monken announcement
Could the Baltimore Ravens have possibly blindsided quarterback Lamar Jackson with their new hiring?
The Ravens announced the hiring of new offensive coordinator Todd Monken on Tuesday (February 14). He replaced Greg Roman, who was the team's offensive coordinator from 2019-2022.
From NFL Now: The #Ravens named Todd Monken as their new offensive coordinator, ending an extensive search. https://t.co/9aehYabbf8
While the Ravens got their new offensive play caller, they reportedly did not integrate Jackson into the hiring process for their new offensive coordinator, according to reporter Jonathan Jones.
Per Jones:
"Per sources, it’s my understanding that the Ravens did not fully integrate QB Lamar Jackson into the hiring process for their new offensive coordinator."
Per sources, it’s my understanding that the Ravens did not fully integrate QB Lamar Jackson into the hiring process for their new offensive coordinator.
The Ravens are trying to retain Jackson as he is set to enter free agency once the new league year begins on March 15th. There have been contract disputes since the last off-season with not much progress this off-season.
Jackson wants more guaranteed money than the team is offering. This could be due to Deshaun Watson getting a five-year $230 million deal that was fully guaranteed by the Cleveland Browns.
The Ravens could potentially franchise-tag Jackson, trade-and-tag him, or try to trade him. There's a very slim chance of Jackson entering free agency and walking away.
Atlanta Falcons have emerged as the "most aggressive" suitors to land Lamar Jackson
While there's a good chance that Jackson is traded this off-season, he will have many teams interested in acquiring him. He'll headline the best QBs available this off-season along with Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr.
Per NFL insider Jason La Canfora, the Atlanta Falcons are the most aggressive suitor to land Jackson in a trade, according to multiple league executives.
Rumors: Multiple league executives continue to point to the #Falcons as the most aggressive potential suitor for #Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, per @JasonLaCanfora
They went all out for Deshaun Watson last year and nearly got him. https://t.co/XxaxQPYOh6
The Falcons could look to upgrade at the position after one season with Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder.
Mariota started the majority of the season for the team but was benched at the end of the season when Ridder went 2-2 in the last four games.
Falcons were aggressive last off-season in trying to acquire Watson from the Browns before they were outbid by the Browns.
The Atlanta-based side holds the No.8 overall pick in this year's draft and could target a young QB in the draft.
The Ravens could re-sign Lamar Jackson, but if they do make him available, the Falcons will be in play.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Jonathan Jones and H/T Sportskeeda