Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Offer from Another Team Coming After NFL Draft? ESPN Nonsense?

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are still no closer to reaching a deal on a new contract, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has hinted that the upcoming NFL Draft could play a big role in swinging the decision either way.

The Baltimore Ravens must be getting itchy to make a move one way or another with Lamar Jackson and his contract situation. After years of negotiating, there is still no end in sight, with the NFL Draft coming up in a few days. 

With the Ravens unsure of precisely what Lamar will do, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has hinted on SportsCenter that the NFL Draft could play a vital role in the contract talks with Jackson either way.

Said Fowler: (via Bleacher Report) "After the draft could be interesting because if a team strikes out on the quarterback front and doesn't get the guy they want in the first round, they could put an offer sheet or try to swing a trade with Baltimore.''

And here's where we wonder if ESPN is throwing stuff against the wall to see if it sticks, because which high-drafting team, exactly, is both a) poised to "strike out'' at QB and b) desirous of luring Jackson away from Baltimore?

Jackson's non-exclusive franchise tender remains unsigned. With fellow quarterback Tyler Huntley reportedly signing his free agent tender any day now, the Ravens need some clarity regarding Lamar and his future.

Perhaps the only way things get nudged in any direction is, Fowler states, a team misses out on a quarterback in the draft and then seeks out Baltimore for Jackson. But which team would that be? 

There are, by most measures, four QBs considered to be slated to be high picks: Bryce Young, Will Levis, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson, with Hendon Hooker also in play. Carolina at No. 1, Houston at No. 2, Indianapolis at No. 4, Seattle at No. 5, Las Vegas at No. 7 ...

All of those teams can pick a QB if they wish. And if their "wish'' was to employ Lamar Jackson, why not go ahead and make that move at some point in the last two months .. and then use their premium pick to add to their rosters elsewhere?

There is "hope" Jackson will be under center for the Ravens next season as Odell Beckham Jr. has joined along with rumors of DeAndre Hopkins as well, but that feels like fading hope right now, and if Lamar harbors any intention of playing another season in Baltimore, it feels like we will know one way or the other after the draft. But we do not forecast that Jackson's move will be fueled by who is drafted where. And we do feel his "move'' will eventually be back to Baltimore.

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