The Baltimore Ravens’ signing of free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. may have done more than just given them a new wideout. It may have determined whether Lamar Jackson will play for them in 2023.
Appearing on NFL Network, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that there was an “intersection” between OBJ’s signing and Jackson’s willingness to join the Ravens. He pointed out that Jackson has openly stated how involved he was in recruiting OBJ, suggesting that he intends to be the Ravens’ quarterback in 2023.
The Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, which will give Jackson a one-year deal with the team. But by making it non-exclusive, NFL teams can submit an offer sheet for a long-term contract that the Ravens can either match or decline to match.
By the looks of things, Jackson seems much more likely to sign that tag and play in 2023 than he was just a few days ago.
From NFL Now: The signing of Odell Beckham Jr and the future of #Ravens QB Lamar Jackson are not unrelated. pic.twitter.com/T7A71VRmSo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 13, 2023
Several weeks ago Lamar Jackson announced that he formally requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens due to the two sides being too far apart on a long-term contract extension.
If Lamar signs his non-exclusive franchise tag there’s a good chance that we’ll wind up in the exact same situation next year.
But for now, the Ravens finally appear to have found some way to appease their disgruntled star quarterback.