Top 5 Sensible Team Options for Lamar Jackson After His Trade Request

There was a gap of almost a month between Lamar Jackson’s trade request from the Ravens and the official announcement of it. Though the player didn’t share any reason, this calculated timing placed the ball in the court of his coach, likely in an attempt to resolve the complicated situation more quickly. The circumstances are fluid for Jackson after he outlined a trade request. Almost every team in the XFL, USFL, CFL, and NFL already denied interest after Ravens placed a nonexclusive franchise tag on him. Here are a few most possible landing spots for Jackson to be part of a team.

Baltimore Ravens

There’s always the option for Jackson to stay put in his own team instead of landing somewhere new. It’s no secret that franchise-tag negotiations within the team are always more or less bitter, and since Jackson doesn’t have an agent, he has to get in the foxhole all by himself. But that doesn’t mean the situation can’t play out for a self-represented MVP quarterback.

Indianapolis Colts

There’s a chance for the Indianapolis Colts to make a fair trade for Jackson, but they’re likely to wait until after the draft. Things can get easier if there’s any hint that Jackson is willing to come down on his price tag. For this trade to be fruitful, he’d also have to make it clear to the Ravens that they shouldn’t match whatever offer comes in and be happy with their first picks.

Washington Commanders

It’s not wise to totally eliminate the Washington Commanders from the equations of this scenario. As the franchise is now for sale, there’s a possibility of a rich person buying the team and then getting a new player in downtown Washington, D.C., to fill that old stadium to the brink. Jackson is the only player famous enough to do that, and on the market right now too.

New England Patriots

The New England Patriots can join this melodrama as latecomers after they realize in spring ball that Mac Jones can’t secure their desired position. And then, they would likely approach Jackson, who would positively count them a factor in his trade request, despite the team’s lack of relative firepower on offense. It’s a secure position, after all.