NFL Trade Rumors: Lamar Jackson ruled out as potential successor to legendary QB
Lamar Jackson's free agency was supposed to make for an interesting time in the league, as he's allowed to sign an offer sheet with the other teams due to receiving the non-exclusive franchise tag. However, a race for his services has not materialized for a plethora of reasons.
Signing an offer sheet is a complicated matter, especially when you're signing a star quarterback for a fully-guaranteed contract. To add insult to injury, there's no guarantee that he would ever play for them, as the Ravens would have the right to match the offer and keep Jackson in Baltimore.
There are reports that no team wants to sign him to an offer sheet because they are sure that the Ravens will match it. Seven teams have put themselves out of the way, with the most recent example being the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are looking for Tom Brady's successor.
Update: The #Buccaneers plans at QB for 2023 "won't involve Lamar Jackson", according to @NFLSTROUD
7 teams are now reportedly out on Lamar before free-agency even begins. https://t.co/gXkZ5HHs4Q
Tampa Bay.com insider Rick Stroud has reported that the Buccaneers are not expected to pursue Jackson in the upcoming days.
Buccaneers out of the race for Lamar Jackson
Although Tampa Bay was cap-strapped after the season ended, some recent moves have cleared $44 million in cap space for the 2023 season. This allowed the team to make some important moves to retain free agents such as linebacker Lavonte David.
The quarterback situation on the Buccaneers' roster is not exciting. Not only did they lose Tom Brady to retirement (he was going to be a free agent anyway) but backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert is also not expected to return in 2023. The only quarterback currently signed for the 2023 roster is Kyle Trask.
There have also been numerous reports pointing to Tampa Bay making a run at Baker Mayfield during free agency. The former first-overall pick is a free agent after a good end to the 2022 season with the Los Angeles Rams.
While it looks like a surprise to see so many teams out of the race for Jackson, it's understandable if they believe the Ravens will match no matter the offer. Tampa Bay will have to search for different options to find their new quarterback or give the franchise keys to Kyle Trask.