10 NFL Teams’ Responses to a Potential Trade for Lamar Jackson

Marlon Humphrey, the cornerback of the Baltimore Ravens, thought that the timing of franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson's announcement to request a trade was opportune when he noticed a group photograph of all the leading NFL administrators at the yearly league meeting on Monday. Humphrey posted on Twitter: 8 releases the farewell tweet while all 32 GM's are gathered together. Apparently, if Jackson wanted to boost curiosity from other teams, it has not worked out, at least not publicly. On Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, New York Jets and Carolina Panthers all stated that they are not going to pursue Jackson, who does not have a representative and is representing himself.

The Ravens have been the most enthusiastic team regarding Jackson, having placed the nonexclusive tag on him on March 7.
“I'm sure it will work out,” said 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan.
The nonexclusive tag allows Jackson to negotiate with other teams. If he signs an offer sheet, Baltimore will have five days to match it or receive two first-round picks as compensation. The deadline for Jackson to sign a multiyear offer sheet is July 17.

Speaking about whether the Ravens are in contact with Jackson regarding a contract, coach John Harbaugh said, “I know they're working hard at it. They're trying to be in constant contact. It's not an every-second-of-every-day thing, but as far as I know, it's very consistent.”
Teams have been asked what their stance is on Jackson, who has been the talk of the meetings. Here are the replies so far:

Coach Arthur Smith refused to refer to Jackson by name, stating, We are just going to concentrate on our own players." Smith has chosen Ridder as his starting quarterback.
Smith went on to say, When looking to strengthen our team, it's important to be mindful of the rumors that are circulating. Some of them happen to be accurate and some are not. We take all of that into account.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank gave praise to Jackson when speaking with local media on Tuesday, but mentioned the former MVP missing 11 games over the past two years, including the wild-card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals from last season. If I had to look at it objectively, I would definitely say there's a bit of worry surrounding how long can he continue to play at his level, Blank remarked. Hopefully, it's a long time... yet during the last two years, he's been absent for the majority of five or six games. That is a big deal in our field.

After trading up for the opportunity to pick the top quarterback on their draft board, Panthers' general manager Scott Fitterer declared that Jackson was an extremely expensive option, but the team was currently more concentrated on their other draft picks. Head coach Dan Campbell expressed his excitement for Lamar's talent, thanking God for getting a quarterback, which he noted was the most important factor. Colts GM Chris Ballard then confirmed their interest in Jackson, saying that due to his unique abilities, it was necessary to assess their options, but that there was no certainty of what might happen. Colts owner Jim Irsay also mentioned that though they are always searching for talented players, they should not jeopardize their future in the process.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft stated that Jackson had been recommended to him by rapper Meek Mill, a friend of Kraft's. Kraft went on to say that the decision whether or not to sign Jackson lies with coach Bill Belichick.
Jets GM Joe Douglas stated that his primary focus was on the potential trade for Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers, and that the team would not put pressure on the Packers by pursuing Jackson, which Douglas called negotiating in bad faith.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that the team was not considering Jackson, due to the existing roster, along with the salary cap restrictions.
The Seahawks re-signed Smith on March 6, one day prior to the Ravens tagging Jackson. Seattle coach Pete Carroll commented that he believed Smith would not be available and they could not afford him.

The Buccaneers, having only $2.4 million in salary cap space, would be unable to make an offer without insulting the great player. Coach Todd Bowles expressed his disappointment in not being able to make a competitive offer, noting that playing against Smith is not enjoyable.
Martin Mayhew, General Manager of the Commanders, made it clear that the team does not plan on adding Jackson to their roster. Mayhew stated, "I cannot get into the details of why, but I do not want to come off as critical of anyone. He is an incredibly talented quarterback and one of the best in the league, but as of now, we are sticking with Sam and Jacoby."