All Steelers

Report: Lamar Jackson Gave Ravens Ultimatum to Play This Season

Lamar Jackson wanted the Ravens to sign big-name wide receivers before considering playing on the franchise tag.

Stephen Thompson

In this story:

PITTSBURGH -- Lamar Jackson would have considered playing for the Baltimore Ravens this season but only under certain conditions. Jackson wanted the Ravens to make major additions to their passing offense before he considered playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers' biggest rival in 2023, according to NFL Insider Michael Lombardi. 

Jackson reportedly told the Ravens to go sign free agent Odell Beckham Jr. and trade for DeAndre Hopkins, who requested a trade from the Arizona Cardinals at the end of last season. After they do that, "we can talk," Jackson said. 

The Ravens went landed one of Jackson's preferred targets, signing Beckham to a one-year, $18 million contract earlier this week. That will help cover for what some believe to be a lackluster arm on Jackson. Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said on a recent episode of his podcast "Footbahlin" that he believes teams weren't scared of Jackson sitting in the pocket and throwing the ball, but Beckham adds a new dimension to the Ravens offense that defenses now have to respect. 

This offseason has been filled with controversy for Jackson, who had been engaged in contract negotiations with the Steelers' AFC North rival all offseason before they placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on him. Jackson can field offers from other teams, but hasn't yet. The Ravens would have a chance to match whatever offer Jackson receives. 

Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Patrick Peterson Tells Steelers Who He Wants Them to Draft

Report: Steelers Upset With Ohio State OT Dawand Jones

Steelers Considering Trading Up in NFL Draft, Likely for Two Players

Report: Steelers Have Spoken to Bears About Trading Up

Mock Draft: Steelers Make Blockbuster Trade Into Top 10

Published
Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper. He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press. During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general. 

Home/News