“Jackson is Hurts on steroids” – Colts insider makes case for Lamar Jackson to Indy
The Indianapolis Colts will enter the season with a new quarterback. They will likely select a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, even if they trade down from the no. 4 pick.
With Aaron Rodgers expected to be traded from the Green Bay Packers, the quarterback carousel this offseason is finally coming to an end.
One quarterback that remains open to joining a new team is Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson. The Ravens placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on him right before the window closed, which will keep him under contract this season for $32.4 million.
We have used the franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson. https://t.co/AHrqyCgcAI
Teams can negotiate with Jackson and offer him a deal that the Ravens can match.
Colts insider Bob Kravitz thinks the Colts should make an offer for Jackson. As they continue their search for their franchise quarterback, he thinks it would be smarter for the team to acquire a proven talent like Jackson.
Kravitz said:
"Do you want an unknown quantity at quarterback who may or may not grow into a franchise player, or do you want a sure thing? A star player who will have a chance to continue his growth with established quarterback whisperer Shane Steichen?"
"Look at what the Colts’ new head coach did with Jalen Hurts. Now imagine how creative he can get with one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the league. Jackson is Hurts on steroids (not literally)."
Kravitz: Why not Colts? Chris Ballard, Jim Irsay should take big swing for Lamar Jackson @bkravitz
via @TheAthletic theathletic.com/4348710/2023/0…
Could the Indianapolis Colts trade down in the draft to select a quarterback?
With the Indianapolis Colts picking fourth overall, they will likely get a quarterback with high potential. Both the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans are also expected to draft a quarterback with the first two picks. This will force the Colts to make a tough decision on the direction of their franchise.
IndyStar sports columnist Gregg Doyel believes the team will trade down in the draft to acquire a quarterback. He thinks they will try to stock up on picks and draft a talented QB towards the end of the draft.
Clear to me now: Colts GM Chris Ballard will trade down for Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker and more NFL Draft picks. Veteran Gardner Minshew at QB now, Hooker later, and more picks to plug holes. Brilliant, really:
indystar.com/story/sports/c…
The Colts signed QB Gardner Minshew to a one-year deal earlier this offseason. Given his contract is worth $3.5 million, he will likely serve as the team's backup quarterback.
The team could try to trade for Lamar Jackson. But as of right now, that doesn't seem like the likely option.
Jackson has amassed 1055 pass completions, 12,209 passing yards, 101 touchdowns and 38 interceptions over five NFL seasons.