The Las Vegas Raiders have the makings of a truly dynamic offense with All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs and All-Pro wide receiver DaVante Adams. The team simply needs the right quarterback under center and there is a potential option for the Raiders that hasn’t been mentioned much in Baltimore Ravens signal-caller Lamar Jackson.
Jackson has been one of the most successful quarterbacks since coming into the NFL, winning the 2019 MVP Award and posting a 45-16 record as a starter while leading the Ravens to three playoff appearances. But with the Ravens placing the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, there is a real chance that Jackson could find himself in a new uniform next season.
And Jacobs may be hoping that new uniform is the silver and black of the Raiders. Jacobs recently liked a tweet comparing the numbers of Jackson and Daniel Jones of the New York Giants who recently received a new contract, via Mitchell Renz of Raiders Report:
Looks like Josh Jacobs wants Lamar Jackson 👀 @Raiders pic.twitter.com/FB1SkQ6XiW
— Raiders Report Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) March 10, 2023
This could simply just be Jacobs choosing to support a friend and player whom he believes should get paid what he deserves. Like Jackson, Jacobs is also on the franchise tag, though he is exclusive meaning he will remain with the Raiders and still could work out a long-term deal.
Jackson’s non-exclusive tag allows him to negotiate with other teams, but the Ravens could match any offer he signs. Should they allow him to sign with the other team, it would cost that team a pair of first-round picks. The question now is whether a team is willing to give Jackson the contract he wants while also surrendering those draft picks.
Recent contracts given to quarterbacks, particularly the fully guaranteed $230 million deal given to Deshaun Watson by the Cleveland Browns have set a new standard in the eyes of Jackson. With Kyler Murray also receiving nearly $190 million in guaranteed money, and Jackson being more accomplished than both in terms of an MVP and playoff success, he believes he should be paid in that range, if not more so.
Whether the Raiders will be the team to give Jackson what he wants remains to be seen, but the idea of an offense led by Lamar Jackson, Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs is something that is sure to excite fans of the franchise everywhere and those in the building as well.
