"Deshaun Watson had all kinds of baggage" - Skip Bayless urges teams to go all in for Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson revealed on Monday that he formally asked the Baltimore Ravens for a trade at the beginning of the month. Analyst Skip Bayless underlined the reasons why, despite years of drama, the quarterback should be the top asset pursued in the NFL.
Here's how Bayless, on "Undisputed," explained why Jackson towers over Deshaun Watson, who was last year's player-to-get:
"He is 25 years of age. Do you remember what I said about Deshaun Watson? When he suddenly hit the market at 25, I was saying, in the history of the National Football League, this has never happened before. The difference being that Deshaun Watson had all kinds of baggage. Lamar has zero of that baggage.
"As far as off the field ... Lamar has been a model citizen and a leader of this football team. When it is time to play football, he gives you every last ounce of his heart. He's got a big heart to give. ... I'm a big fan, because he will take over and lead your franchise. And I believe you can win multiple Super Bowls with Lamar Jackson."
Will Lamar Jackson suit up with the Ravens in 2023?
Lamar Jackson attempts to separate from Baltimore Ravens
In his revealing post, the quarterback said that he had requested a trade on March 2. He also thanked his fans for their support over the years, but said that the move was a "business decision" that needed to place everything else second.
A letter to my Fans
I want to first thank you all for all of the love and support you consistently show towards me. All of you are amazing and I appreciate y’all so much. I want you all to know not to believe everything you read about me. Let me personally answer your questions
In the last two years, the quarterback has played in 24 games. In those games, he went 15-9, throwing for 33 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. On the ground, he rushed for more than 1,500 yards and five touchdowns in almost 250 rushes.
While his production was lauded, his inability to finish each season left the team scrambling at the end of each year with a backup quarterback.
in regards to my future plans. As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value, any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team
Now, if the team follows through in letting its quarterback walk, the team will once again be looking for a replacement.
If any of the above quotes are used, please credit "Undisputed" and H/T Sportskeeda.