There could be a major shakeup with the Steelers' biggest rival in the AFC North, as quarterback Lamar Jackson has requested to be traded by the Baltimore Ravens.
Jackson issued the following Monday morning on Twitter:
in regards to my future plans. As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value, any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023
Jackson has been the Ravens' starting quarterback the past five seasons, emerging as a dynamic dual threat leading Baltimore's offense. He has appeared in 70 games, starting 61, and has a record of 45-16 in those starts.
Jackson has passed for 12,209 yards in his career, with 101 touchdowns and 38 interceptions while completing 63.7 percent. He's also rushed for 4,437 yards and 24 touchdowns while averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
Jackson, 26, was placed on the nonexclusive franchise tag by the Ravens for 2023 and is set to make $32.4 million. He can still negotiate with any other team, and the Ravens could match any offer and/or trade him.
Jackson does not have an agent and is representing himself in all these matters, which makes this whole situation even more interesting.
Jackson was injured for part of the 2022 season and played in 12 games, missing the final six. He passed for 2,242 yards with 17 TDs and seven interceptions, while rushing for 764 yards and three scores.
CORY'S TAKE
Usually this is just how the business goes when a quarterback or other star player feels like he's not getting offered his perceived value. But to take this as far as a trade request makes this seem like more of a pressing situation for both Jackson and the Ravens.
Will he end up leaving? Will the Ravens let a 26-year-old franchise QB leave? Or will they decide to give him $40-plus million a year and roll the dice?
Given that running is such a big part of Jackson's game, making him more injury prone, it's that much harder to commit so much money to him. I could see the Ravens letting this thing play out for as long as possible.
And the fact that Jackson is representing himself without an agent is just downright bizarre -- and dangerous -- given how much money is at stake.