NFL Trade Rumors: Ravens Deal Lamar Jackson to Colts?

Lamar Jackson could be traded this offseason by the Baltimore Ravens. Are the Indianapolis Colts a viable destination for him?

Jeremy Brener | Apr 3, 2023

In this story:

Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and speculation on his future have dominated the talking points of the NFL offseason.

Jackson's desire to sign a new contract and to play for a new team have complicated the issue and potential suitors are bowing out of the sweepstakes with all of the risk involved.

However, one team has stayed under the radar and remain a strong possibility for Jackson's next destination ... the Indianapolis Colts.

Bleacher Report suggests that the Colts still feel like a "logical landing spot" for the 2019 NFL MVP.

"Between now and April 27, [Indianapolis Colts general manager] Ballard could decide that Jackson is a better option than any quarterback he's going to land with the fourth overall pick," Bleacher Report writes. "The Colts might be more inclined to make a move after the draft if they're unwilling to part with the fourth overall selection and/or don't find a quarterback they like at No. 4."

Should the Colts establish themselves as a true contender for Jackson's services, the Ravens could play hardball in a potential trade.

"The Ravens could hold out for more than the two first-round picks by threatening to match Indianapolis' offer sheet but offering to trade Jackson for additional compensation," Bleacher Report writes. "If Indy stands to improve significantly—therefore making its 2024 and 2025 first-round picks low selections—Baltimore could want a little extra in the deal."

The Ravens have already made it challenging for any team that may have wanted Jackson to acquire him after placing the non-exclusive franchise tag on him, and that has forced teams to seek alternative quarterback options for 2023. The Colts feel like the one team without a legitimate plan for a starter ... unless it's a rookie.

That being said, the Colts sit in a very precarious position for the quarterback market at the top of the draft. Should a team leapfrog them for the No. 3 pick -- currently owned by the Arizona Cardinals -- Indianapolis would be forced to take the fourth-best quarterback ... or roll the dice for Jackson.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

Follow the Baltimore Ravens Daily Blitz Podcast

Follow Raven Country on Twitter

Ravens Alert! Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Baltimore Ravens?

Published Apr 3, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.