Adam Schefter of ESPN had social media buzzing on Friday with his prank concerning a potential trade of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson to the Washington Commanders.
It was a joke, but perhaps a Jackson trade isn’t too far-fetched.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported Sunday that the Ravens are considering applying the non-exclusive franchise tag to Jackson. That means any NFL team can negotiate with Jackson, and the Ravens can match any offer or receive two first-round picks.
What would this mean for the Commanders? Well, likely nothing, but let’s speculate. A quarterback of Jackson’s age and ability is worth two first-round picks [and more]. Jackson is a superior player to Russell Wilson, and you see what he fetched one year ago.
Let’s say the Ravens place the non-exclusive tag on Jackson, and the Commanders are interested. The draft compensation isn’t the issue. It’s the cash. Jackson either wants a fully guaranteed contract like Deshaun Watson received last year or one heavy with guarantees. Considering Washington’s current ownership issue and the rumors they are struggling with a cash-flow issue makes any Jackson pursuit unlikely.
Things would be different if Washington owner Dan Snyder had already sold the franchise. But with Snyder still around, any pursuit of Jackson or another top veteran quarterback remains unlikely.