How Lamar Jackson Trade Request Impacts Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals' market for the No. 3 pick could potentially take a hit depending on the availability of Lamar Jackson.

PHOENIX -- The entire NFL world is gathered in the backyard of the Arizona Cardinals to conduct business and collaborate on new ideas to help change the game moving forward into 2023. 

During the first day of media availability for AFC coaches, Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson sent shockwaves through the professional football world after he revealed he submitted a trade request back on March 2. 

A letter to my Fans

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

— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023

Plenty of time exists between now and the beginning of football season, leaving nearly every avenue possible for Jackson and Baltimore to find a resolution. 

For now - however - it appears as if Jackson may be suiting up in another uniform for 2023. 

So how in the world will that impact the Cardinals and their potential plans? 

The Cardinals are hoping to move down from the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, as that pick will likely feature a top quarterback ripe for the taking. Teams clamoring for their next franchise player will be willing to give up precious draft ammo to make the jump to the third overall pick, and Arizona is looking to fill plenty of holes as they attempt their rebuild. 

The major question here is if Jackson indeed leaves, will Baltimore roll with Tyler Huntley? The Ravens could very well see what they have in the recent Pro Bowl QB and turn to next year's draft that features Caleb Williams among other strong quarterback prospects. 

After the news, let's see where oddsmakers favor Jackson to play next season (via Action Network):

Lamar Jackson Next Team Odds (Without BAL)

Colts +225

Patriots +450

Falcons +600

Buccaneers +800

Jets +900

Panthers +1000

Commanders +1000

Titans +1000

Dolphins +1000

49ers +1500

The Cardinals will be keeping a watchful eye on how the situation pans out with Jackson. 

Working under the assumption that Huntley remains in the saddle for 2023, the Ravens likely go a non-QB with whichever first-round pick they acquire.

• Teams such as the Colts and Falcons are potential trade-down partners for Arizona in the top ten, so Jackson's presence on either roster eliminates a potential trade partner. 
• Jackson being dealt to the Panthers may take somebody like Will Anderson out of the mix before the Cardinals even are on the clock. 
• Arizona could potentially face Jackson twice a year in the NFC West if Kyle Shanahan somehow, some way figures out how to land him with the San Francisco 49ers. 

Realistically, does the Jackson trade request cause any changes of course for the Cardinals? Very little, if any. That mostly depends on where Jackson lands (if he is indeed traded), but the Cardinals have few options that would drastically be altered if a trade went down of that nature. 

However, the NFL continues to surprise diehards and casuals alike each and every offseason. Expect the unexpected. 

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