For months, the situation regarding the Baltimore Ravens and their all-world quarterback, Lamar Jackson, has been the subject of a lot of discourse. The 2019 NFL MVP has had a tumultuous couple of years, as he’s been actively seeking a contract extension to remain the face of the franchise.
However, Jackson ended all that speculation on Monday. The prodigious play caller went on Twitter to announce that he wanted to be traded to another team.
In a post that he headlined ‘A Letter to My Fans’, the University of Louisville product wrote:
“I want to first thank you all for all of the love and support you consistently show towards me. All of you are amazing and I appreciate y’all so much. I want you all to know not to believe everything you read about me. Let me personally answer your questions in regards to my future.”
“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 (sic) or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team win a Super Bowl.”
He closed out the thread writing, “You are all great but I had to make a business decision that was best for my family and I. No matter how far I go or where my career takes me, I’ll continue to be close to my fans of Baltimore Flock nation and the entire State of Maryland. You’ll See me again”
It’s not quite a simple swap, though, as Lamar Jackson’s contract demands must be settled as well. He doesn’t employ an agent, instead representing himself, which many believe may have caused some of the confusion in this process. However, it appears that the former Heisman Trophy winner is pulling the trigger – in public, at least.
The Ravens have placed their non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, which means he can still sign an offer sheet with another team. If there is no offer, he would earn $32.416 million this season if he plays under the tag.
If Jackson were to sign an offer sheet and the Ravens did not match, the team would receive two first-round picks in return as compensation. So there has to be a willing partner for the team or Jackson. Or possibly both.
Lamar Jackson was the 32nd pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and rose to superstardom almost immediately. He won the Award for the League’s Most Valuable Player in just his second season, throwing for 3,6127 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. He also added 1,206 yards on the ground with an additional seven scores.
Despite some eye-popping statistics in the regular season, it hasn’t translated to the playoffs for the star QB. Jackson has gone just 1-3 in four postseason starts, throwing three TDs and five INTs.
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