Lamar Jackson Demands Trade; Texans Move for Heir to Deshaun Watson?

The Ravens and Lamar Jackson remain in a fluid situation, but Dan Orlovsky believes the Houston Texans could be a realistic option for the All-Pro quarterback.

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans seem intent on using the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft on a quarterback.

But on Monday, NFL MVP Lamar Jackson announces his trade request to the Baltimore Ravens in addition to penning a “goodbye” letter to Ravens fans.

If this is really the end in Baltimore … could it be a new beginning in Houston?

Dan Orlovsky of ESPN revealed he believes the Houston Texans should go for it.

Said Orlovsky: “Houston has the picks. … They have the salary cap space. They just have all of the capabilities to do it."

The Texans will upgrade their quarterback room this off-season. Anf Jackson has not been linked to Houston. But we will restate this: Want a "rightful heir'' to what Deshaun Watson once represented here (before things went sour)?

Lamar is that.

Now ...

Unless the Texans divert from their plan of using the No. 2 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft on a quarterback, Houston will likely start next season with a rookie under center — most noticeably in the likes of C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young.

But Lamar Jackson is ... Lamar Jackson. Just like Deshaun was.

The franchise tag the Ravens placed on Jackson is worth $32.4 million for the 2023 season. Jackson is seeking a long-term deal similar to the five-year fully guaranteed $230 million contract Deshaun Watson secured with the Cleveland Browns last off-season.

In five seasons, Jackson has completed 63.7 percent of his passes for 12,209 yards and 101 touchdowns. Jackson is establishing himself as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in league history. He has recorded 4,437 yards and 24 touchdowns on the ground.

He is a special player. Maybe this draft has one of those. Or maybe there are only so many Deshaun-level guys to go around. And now that Lamar wants out? Maybe Houston should want in.

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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