NEWSLETTER
At the exact time that Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was set to speak at the owner’s meetings in Phoenix, Lamar Jackson dropped a letter to fans on his Twitter account. The thread was Lamar’s version of the events leading up to today and included news that Jackson requested a trade from the Ravens on March 2.
Here’s the full statement from Lamar Jackson:
“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 ya’ll 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 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 everybody that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team win the Super Bowl. You all are 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.”
March 2 was five days before the Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh had this to say this morning in Phoenix via Ian Rapoport:
“I’m getting ready for Lamar. … When Lamar gets back on this train, it’s moving full speed.”
Considering the request was made on March 2 (according to Lamar Jackson), and Harbaugh’s comments this morning, the Ravens don’t seem to be in a rush to honor the request. And why would they be?
The Ravens are in the driver’s seat. At least for now. Even if Lamar can find a team willing to meet his demands, the Ravens have to opt not to match. If they let Lamar walk, they get two first-rounders, one of which converts next month. So, Baltimore has hedged their bet.
As I wrote last week, that could blow up in Baltimore’s face if Jackson decides not to sign the franchise tag in July and instead holds out. Then Baltimore would have to consider Jackson’s trade request. At that point, they could end up with less than the two first-rounders they would receive as compensation related to the non-exclusive franchise tag.
This situation is far from over, and it’s going to get very turbulent between now and the start of training camp if the two sides can’t come to terms on an extension. Which, seems highly unlikely at this point.
Stay tuned.
