One of the biggest offseason topics is unfolding before our eyes, and it has major implications for what happens in the AFC North moving forward. Former MVP quarterback, Lamar Jackson, has been at the center of discussion since the 2022 season ended, as contract disputes continued between the former first-round pick and the Baltimore Ravens.
On Monday, Jackson confirmed the suspicion that has been in the back of our minds. Taking to Twitter, Lamar admitted that he indeed requested a trade from the Ravens back on March 2nd -- citing that Baltimore has not been interested in meeting his value.
𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Lamar Jackson has asked to be traded from the #Ravens
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 27, 2023
Statement:
"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." pic.twitter.com/xGD3PM0p1U
This is a massive development. Prior to this, it seemed like there was a chance that Jackson was going to stick around for one more season on the franchise tag. Now it seems like he needs to find a new home right away. It's unclear at this time how the Ravens intend to proceed.
Steelers could have one less Pro Bowl QB in the AFC North
Though Lamar Jackson left a heartfelt message to fans, he has clearly been disgruntled with the Ravens organization for some time now, and even if he loses money, he could refuse to play for them at this point. Because of this, I would have to imagine that both sides would try to find a trade partner very soon.
If this does indeed happen, it very much changes the QB outlook in a packed AFC North. Obviously, Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals have been the team to beat over the past two seasons, but when Jackson is healthy, he still has one of the best win-loss records among all active NFL players.
Whether you are a fan of Jackson or not, he has elevated the play of his team around him, and losing him could prove to be a significant loss for the Ravens. If Baltimore is forced to trade him, they will have to start from the ground up at the QB position. This means that Kenny Pickett will likely move up a spot in the pecking order in the AFC North.
In a league where the outcome of each game depends so greatly on the performance of the quarterback, this could be huge news for Steelers fans. It's unclear what the plan for Baltimore could be at the QB position if they are forced to trade Jackson.
The AFC North was projected to be a tight division again in 2022. While their odds of unseating the Bengals will still be low, we have to imagine that this could boost their playoff chances, as three wild card spots will be up for grabs in the AFC. Stay with us to see how this whole Lamar Jackson saga unfolds