The Ravens’ signing of Odell Beckham Jr. caused many to speculate that Lamar Jackson would indeed be playing for Baltimore this coming season.
However, at his introductory press conference on Thursday, Beckham did not say he received any “assurances” from Jackson that he’d be sticking around.
“My thoughts would be, he’ll be here and I know these two [general manager and head coach] want him here,” Beckham said, via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
On whether he got assurances from Lamar Jackson that the QB will be here, Odell Beckham Jr says “life is uncertain.” And says, “My thoughts would be, he”ll be here and I know these two want him here.”
GM Eric DeCosta reiterates that he wants Lamar here.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 13, 2023
Beckham might have just been playing coy here. His comments have already started some debate on social media.
“I’m not saying it’s impossible but it’s suuuuuuuuper hard for me to believe that Odell signed with the Ravens without knowing for sure Lamar would be back,” said Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks. “This off-season for him has been about teaming up with the right QB so I don’t think he’d risk the uncertainty.”
Im not saying it’s impossible but it’s suuuuuuuuper hard for me to believe that Odell signed with the ravens without knowing for sure Lamar would be back. This off-season for him has been about teaming up with the right QB so I don’t think he’d risk the uncertainty.
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) April 13, 2023
“It’s no way Odell signs here without Lamar saying he would be here,” echoed a Ravens fan.
It’s no way Odell signs here without Lamar saying he would be here
— lion king 🦁👑 (@ThugginCargo) April 13, 2023
“OBJ just wanted the money that no one else was gonna pay. The end,” said one Philly fan.
OBJ just wanted the money that no one else was gonna pay. The end. https://t.co/JkVFP0lGp8
— Ant Edwards Disciple (@TwinOfTiger) April 13, 2023
“WANT is such a loud word here lol,” a Bengals fan chimed in.
“I believe they want Lamar there, but only at their price range. But if they want him bad enough then a new deal should get done,” another person chimed in.
I believe they want Lamar there, but only at their price range. But if they want him bad enough then a new deal should get done
— DGame‼️🗣 (@DionCarolina) April 13, 2023
The Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson last month, after the 2019 MVP says he formally requested a trade.
If a team wants to trade for Jackson, they’ll need to provide Baltimore with at least two first-round picks as compensation.