Lamar Jackson rumors: Which NFL teams can realistically pay $45 mil-plus to Ravens QB per season?
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson got franchise-tagged by the team on Tuesday, the last day of the deadline.
The #Ravens have officially franchised tagged QB Lamar Jackson, giving him the non-exclusive tag. https://t.co/MXzOHvJbWI
The two sides didn't reach a long-term deal before the deadline, and Baltimore elected to use the nonexclusive tag on Jackson.
Jackson will be free to negotiate with teams as part of being nonexclusively tagged. The Ravens have the chance to match any offer an opposing team makes, but if they decline, then they will receive two first-round picks in return.
As of right now, there are many QB-needy teams. The Seahawks, Saints and Giants aren't three of those teams as they recently came to terms with quarterbacks.
The Falcons ($66 million), Texans ($40 million), Raiders ($39 million) and Patriots ($32 million) would be able to afford to pay Jackson $45 million or more per year. The Falcons, Texans and Raiders are in the top five for most cap space this season and next season, and the Patriots are in the top 10 cap space this season and top five next season.
The Chicago Bears could even afford him as they have the most cap space but are invested in third-year quarterback Justin Fields.
Are any teams interested in trading for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson?
While he was expected to generate strong trade interest, it seems like there aren't many teams interested in taking a flier on Jackson. According to numerous reports, the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders are all reportedly out Jackson.
Update: The #Dolphins will not pursue #Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, per @JeffDarlington
In total: The #Falcons, #Commanders, #Panthers and #Raiders are all reportedly out on Lamar Jackson. https://t.co/d0hsSt7VPQ
The Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots and other teams haven't been ruled out.
Since Jackson was tagged with the nonexclusive tag, it eliminated any possibility for the Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns. Teams that make an offer sheet for Jackson must have a 2023 and 2024 first-round pick available.
Also of note, any team interested in submitting an offer sheet for Lamar Jackson must have a 2023 & 2024 first round pick available.
This eliminates the Rams, Dolphins, 49ers, Broncos & Browns currently.
Teams might be keeping away from Jackson due to what they'd have to give up for him.
A team acquiring Jackson would have to give up two first-round picks plus would have to pay him big money upon acquiring him.
He's missed games towards the end of the last two seasons due to injuries and teams could be concerned with his long-term health as he takes a lot of hits being a dual-threat quarterback.
It's interesting to see Jackson not having many teams interested in him, and it'll be interesting to see if he ends up a Raven this season.