3 Problems with the Atlanta Falcons trading for Lamar Jackson
By Nick Halden
2. A record trade and contract
If the Ravens did make the extremely unlikely decision to find out what Lamar would be worth on the trade market what other reason could there be than unreasonable contract demands? Deshaun Watson’s contract reset the quarterback market in guaranteed money and Jackson is certainly a far superior player likely looking at Watson’s contract as an example.
The only reason Lamar is staying in Baltimore is if the Ravens deem Lamar’s contract not worth keeping a top-ten player at the most important position on the field. If that happens there should be well over half the league that has a level of interest in Lamar.
If you don’t have a top-five quarterback why wouldn’t you want to acquire Lamar Jackson? So if the impossible happens and Baltimore parts ways with Jackson you in turn will have to be able to present the best trade package and sign Jackson to a deal Baltimore was unwilling to give arguably the most impactful player on that franchise since Ray Lewis. Jackson changed Baltimore football and brought excitement to a team that was stuck with Joe Flacco and a defense that couldn’t find the same gear to help carry Flacco back to serious contention after their lone Super Bowl run.
If this franchise is willing to part ways with Lamar something is wrong and barring complete mismanagement should serve as a warning sign for Atlanta.