5 doable spots for Lamar Jackson this NFL season first appeared NBC Sports activities Chicago
The one of the best free league now he feels that his future just isn’t going nicely.
With the Baltimore Ravens out of the NFL playoffs after 24-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Jackson’s future with the franchise that drafted him No. 32 in 2018 is up.
Jackson is now headed for unrestricted free company, until the Ravens use a special signal or commerce to barter. But when he would not and he is accessible on the open market, these 5 groups may take advantage of sense for the previous league MVP:
Miami Dolphins
To do that, click on Dolphins they’ve to maneuver round some cash as a result of they’re locked out. But when Lamar Jackson is within the playing cards, there is no doubt he’ll look to make a transfer.
Jackson, who hails from Pompano Seaside close to Miami, could be lured by the prospect of teaming up with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle below thrilling, offensive head coach Mike McDaniel.
As Tua Tagovailoa was in his third yr, his historical past of concussions and damage historical past is commonly dire. Jackson is barely two years previous and will make Miami a contender subsequent season, with the assistance of a strong protection when all of the items fall into place.
Proprietor Stephen Ross is thought for relationship among the greatest gamers within the league (i.e. Tom Brady), so that you’d must suppose the Dolphins are a critical menace to land their hometown boy.
Washington Commanders
If he would not return house, staying nearer to Baltimore may be value it.
Head coach Ron Rivera is likely one of the greatest man managers within the league, and Jackson might be surrounded by a younger offensive line. Terry McLaurin is the star, whereas Jahan Dotson had a superb rookie marketing campaign and Curtis Samuel supplied a strong arsenal. Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson might be in line for giant seasons subsequent yr, too.
Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke aren’t seemingly long-term picks, and Washington managed to combat for a playoff spot all the best way down the stretch in a division the place three groups had success within the postseason. The addition of Jackson would have lifted them excessive because the Rulers had probably the greatest defenses within the league.
By bringing in a brand new crew proprietor and including the face of the franchise to Jackson, Washington will as soon as once more be one of many NFL’s most dominant groups.
Seattle Seahawks
Buying and selling away Russell Wilson was purported to sign the beginning of Seattle’s long-awaited rebuild. It ended up making the playoffs with Geno Smith on the helm, as Wilson and the Denver Broncos managed simply 5 wins.
The Seahawks enter the offseason with loads of money and loads of choices so as to add to an already spectacular crew. Kenneth Walker III closed out his rookie season with over 1,000 yards on the bottom and appears so as to add a dependable receiving recreation to his repertoire. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett every topped 1,000 receiving yards this season, and the protection is small however loaded with potential down the stretch.
Though Geno had a breakout yr below Pete Carroll, the 32-year-old is not a long-term reply, and Jackson instantly places Seattle as a powerful contender.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans minimize as a result of they may give Jackson an enormous minimize: He has loads of cap area heading into the 2023 offseason, based on Spotter.
Derrick Henry is the star right here, however Ryan Tannehill, who can hit unrestricted free company in 2024, and Malik Willis aren’t dependable long-range choices.
The jury continues to be out on Willis, however Jackson is a loud and clear supporter of Tennessee within the AFC and its divisions, who received 9-8 with the Jacksonville Jaguars within the final week of the common season – towards Josh Dobbs and the Titans.
Head coach Mike Vrabel and Co. they will use the cash to strengthen different departments, as nicely, particularly on abilities to offer Jackson actual choices. Robert Woods will not be the main receiver subsequent season. It isn’t a enjoyable place, but it surely is smart.
Atlanta Falcons
Michael Vick followers will love this concept. The Falcons would have received the NFC South this season regardless of the battle between Marcus Mariota and rookie Desmond Ridder.
It is a related scenario to Tennessee – Mariota is the vet and the jury is out on Ridder, however including Jackson is a no brainer, particularly because the Falcons have good cash coming into the offseason.
Ninth quarterback Tyler Allgeier racked up 1,035 dashing yards and Cordarelle Patterson loved a strong season transferring from wideout to working again. Drake London had an encouraging rookie marketing campaign as 1,000-yard receiving tight finish Kyle Pitts returns from damage.
They will want extra weapons and defensive toughness to appear to be a contender, but when Tom Brady can go away Tampa Bay, Atlanta can reclaim that throne. It will even be the acquisition that places the good offensive thoughts coach Arthur Smith on the map.
Honorable mentions
New York Jets – Zach Wilson just isn’t a long-term answer, and has the longest drought within the NFL. Jackson may help resolve this drawback.
Houston Texas – Brandin Cooks and promising rookie RB Dameon Pierce are the frontrunners, and Houston can resolve its current issues by including a signal-caller. With Lovie Smith out, it could be an fascinating process for the prevailing head coaches.
