The NFL offseason is upon us and Lamar Jackson is arguably the most sought-after free agent on the market. With the Baltimore Ravens applying the non-exclusive tag to Jackson just before the 4 p.m. Tuesday deadline, the former MVP is now free to continue discussing options with other teams.
If Jackson accepts an offer sheet from any team, the Ravens have the opportunity to match the offer and keep him or collect two first-round picks as compensation. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five possible destinations the 25-year-old could be headed this offseason.
The Atlanta Falcons have been in need of a quarterback since the departure of Michael Vick. The Falcons could’ve won the NFC South this season despite shuffling between Marcus Mariota and rookie Desmond Ridder. Mariota is the vet and the jury is out on Ridder, but adding Jackson is a no-brainer, especially with the Falcons having good money entering the offseason. Fifth-round rookie Tyler Allgeier racked up 1,035 rushing yards and Cordarelle Patterson enjoyed a solid season switching from wideout to running back. Drake London had an encouraging rookie campaign while Kyle Pitts, a 1,000-yard-receiving tight end as a rookie, would return from injured reserve. They’ll need more weapons and defensive solidity to be viewed as legitimate contenders, but with Tom Brady out of Tampa Bay, Atlanta can reclaim the throne in the division. It also might be the acquisition that puts offensive-minded head coach Arthur Smith on the map.
The Miami Dolphins have been linked to Jackson and it’s easy to see why. For this to work, the Dolphins would have to move around some money as they’re tight on cap space, but if Lamar Jackson is in the cards, there’s no doubt they could look to make a move. Jackson, who is from Pompano Beach right next to Miami, would definitely be enticed by the prospect of teaming with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle under exciting young, offensive-minded head coach Mike McDaniel. As good as Tua Tagovailoa was in his third year, his concussion history and injury history in general are risky. Jackson is just two years older and would immediately make Miami a contender next season, backed by a solid defense when all the pieces are intact.
Staying near Baltimore would very much be plausible for Jackson. Head coach Ron Rivera is one of the best man managers in the league, and Jackson would be surrounded by a young offensive core. Terry McLaurin is the star, while Jahan Dotson had a propitious rookie campaign and Curtis Samuel provided a solid veteran presence. Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson could be in line for bigger seasons next year, too. Taylor Heinicke is not a long-term option and the jury is still out on Sam Howell, but Washington did well to fight for a playoff spot until the very end in a division where three teams qualified for the postseason. Jackson’s addition would definitely boost them to the top as the Commanders had one of the league’s elite defenses.
The New York Jets have made it clear that Zach Wilson is not the long-term answer. However, they’re coming off one of their best seasons in recent years and seem to have momentum heading into the season with several promising stars including Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner. The franchise currently holds the longest playoff drought in the NFL and seems to think fixing the quarterback issue is the solution to their problems. The Jets are one of the rumored landing spots for Aaron Rodgers, but head coach Robert Saleh would be perfectly pleased with the addition of Jackson.
Finally, the Tennessee Titans make the cut only because they can give Jackson a significant cut. They have the most cap space going into the 2023 offseason, according to Spotrac. Derrick Henry is the star pairing here, but Ryan Tannehill, who can hit unrestricted free agency in 2024, and Malik Willis are not reliable long-term options under center. The jury is still out on Willis, but Jackson is a clear and obvious upgrade that bolsters Tennessee in the AFC and its division, which was won by a 9-8 Jacksonville Jaguars squad on the final week of the regular season – against Josh Dobbs and the Titans.
When it’s all said and done, the decisions for Lamar Jackson will come down to money, winning and comfort. There are a few teams that fit the bill and hopefully we get some resolution soon.
