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Lamar Jackson’s future remains up in the air, as the former MVP quarterback has yet to sign a long-term contract with the Baltimore Ravens, who placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on him earlier this month.
As a result of the non-exclusive franchise tag, Lamar Jackson is able to be approached by and enter contract negotiations with other teams, leading to reports that the Indianapolis Colts are considering making a run at the QB.
According to a new story from ESPN’s Stephen Holder, the Colts — who were, of course, once known as the Baltimore Colts before famously moving to Indy — “have not ruled out a move” for Jackson.
Indianapolis did not rule out having discussions with Jackson, according to a team source. However, the club has not taken any substantive steps regarding Jackson and it is unclear whether it intends to do so.
Team sources have expressed skepticism about pursuing Jackson. But there are compelling reasons for the Colts to investigate Jackson’s availability. [via ESPN]
The 26-year-old Jackson has spent his entire five-year career with the Ravens after they drafted hm as the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Winning the MVP award during his second season in the NFL, Jackson has compiled a record of 49-21 during his NFL career thus far, which is good for a staggering .700 win percentage.
Across his five seasons in the National Football League, Jackson has completed 63% of his passes for 12,209 yards, 101 touchdowns, and 38 interceptions. He’s also rushed for an additional 4,437 yards (which already puts him at #5 all-time behind Mike Vick, Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, and Randall Cunningham) and 24 touchdowns.
The Colts obviously seem to think they’re a quarterback away from contention as they’ve spent recent seasons cycling through washed-up veterans — such as Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan — hoping to squeeze on last decent season out of them. If they can land Jackson, however, they won’t have to worry about the quarterback position for the next decade.