If he is available, the Raiders must acquire Lamar Jackson
By Jason Willis
If he is available, the Raiders must acquire Lamar Jackson
An Elite Star at a Price
As mentioned, Jackson is one of the league’s very best quarterbacks. A first-round pick in 2018, he was one of the most electrifying players in college football history at Louisville where he won the Heisman trophy.
After being handed the reigns halfway through his rookie season in 2018, he broke out in a huge way in 2019 when he had 3,127 passing yards and a league-leading 36 touchdown passes to go along with 1,206 yards rushing and another seven touchdowns. He would of course win the MVP award.
A two-time Pro Bowl selection, he is a human highlight reel that was consistently produced both statistically and in the win column despite playing in an offense that has lacked talent and is hindered by suspect play calling from Greg Roman.
Despite all of his success, the Ravens appear hesitant to pay him the money he has undoubtedly earned. With the common perception that quarterbacks who use their legs so often are more prone to injury, the team may not want to commit to him in the form of a long-term contract extension.
This makes the franchise tag a viable outcome. However, after seeing the contracts handed out to Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Dak Prescott, Jackson no doubt wants his payday sooner than later. Operating as his own agent, he may elect to meet with teams regardless of whether he is tagged, especially if he doesn’t feel that Baltimore will be able to put him in a winning situation.
This means if the Raiders were to sign him while he was on the tag, it would cost them two first-round picks to acquire his services. A high price to pay, but it would be well worth it for one of the best players in the sport.