Media by Associated Press – FILE – Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Baltimore. Lamar Jackson was again absent from practice during the portion open to reporters Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. The Baltimore star hasn’t practiced since injuring his knee in a Dec. 4 win over Denver, and there was no sign of him Wednesday as the Ravens prepared for Sunday night’s playoff opener at Cincinnati. Jackson missed the final five games of the regular season.(AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)
The Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson have been feuding over his next contract for over a year now. Both sides have reasonable demands, Jackson, a former MVP, wants to maximize his guaranteed money to set him up for long-term financial health. Baltimore may not want to sink that type of commitment into a quarterback who hasn’t played a full season since 2020.
Despite the injury issues, many will be interested in the dynamic Jackson, who has a 45-16 career record as a starter.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans need a jolt in their offense. All-world tailback Derrick Henry is getting older, and quarterback Ryan Tannehill started showing his age last season. The Titans drafted a quarterback last season, but Malik Willis, a Liberty product, doesn’t look like he is ready for the big time yet.
Inserting Jackson into that offense would help things up for Tennessee’s running game. Jackson has also shown he is a capable passer, compelling 63.7 percent of his career passes, in addition to his prowess running the football.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders had a messy divorce with long-time quarterback Derek Carr toward the end of last season. Las Vegas was a playoff team two seasons ago but collapsed last year due to an inconsistent offense and poor defense. One nice factor for bringing in Jackson would be the Raiders can provide him with a number of weapons.
Running back Josh Jacobs and wide receiver Davante Adams can both make big plays. The Raiders have never been shy about taking in free agents since their early days. Jackson would be a good fit.
New York Jets
At times last season, the Jets appeared to have the defense to make noise in a competitive AFC East division last season. What New York needs is a quarterback to give it the offense to be a legitimate contender. While the Jets may be in the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes, it’s hard to tell what the Green Bay Packers quarterback really wants to do.
If Rodgers decided to stay in Green Bay after bizarrely sitting in the dark for a few days to meditate, Jackson could be a good option for the Jets. New York has a solid young running back with Breece Hall and also has Garrett Wilson at wide receiver to help open things up downfield.
Chicago Bears
Chicago may be willing to abandon the Justin Fields experiment if they can get Jackson. The Bears are already used to drawing up plays for a mobile quarterback. Jackson is physically bigger than Fields and can bring more to the table.
One problem Chicago has, though, is the Bears need to find playmakers to surround Jackson with. The Bears traded for Chase Claypool midway through last season, but he didn’t live up to expectations. Chicago will need an upgrade at wide receiver if they bring in Jackson.
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