Things have gotten to the point where any Ravens fan should be highly uncomfortable. Star quarterback and former MVP Lamar Jackson is getting closer and closer to being on his way out of Baltimore as each day passes.
At this point, we know Jackson has publicly requested a trade after being given the non-exclusive franchise tag, and after the Ravens have failed to offer him the type of contract he desires. What kind of money does Jackson want, exactly?
It's pretty simple. Jackson wants a similar deal to that of Deshaun Watson's, last year, with the Cleveland Browns. Watson got a 5-year deal, fully guaranteed, at $230 million. Now, any team interested in signing or trading for Jackson has to keep that in mind.
Wednesday, a new wrinkle in the Jackson saga surfaced when ESPN's Jeremy Fowler appeared on Sportscenter and gave us all an updated tidbit:
“And then when you talk about good fits, I asked some executives around the league what teams would make sense. They mention Tennessee, who just cleared some cap space … And even a wild card like Minnesota. Kirk Cousins has one year left on his contract if they want to reestablish their identity there,” Fowler said.
The Vikings and Titans are both vastly different fits for Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
So, right now, we've got the Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings as possible suitors for Jackson. Recently, we have heard the likes of the Indianpolis Colts as a top landing spot as well. What we do know is, there will be no shortage of interested teams when this all gets sorted out.
A team like Tennessee might be a sneaky spot for Jackson to land, as they've been in the playoff mix for a few years now. But, quarterback has been an issue, and this year they're finally moving on from Ryan Tannehill. Last year's rookie Malik Willis probalby isn't their guy, and the team has also explored moving Derrick Henry.
It's pretty safe to say that if the Titans landed Jackson, they'd have to keep Henry. Tennessee could end up having the best rushing attack in football with that duo.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is more of a passing offense than Tennessee. Obviously, Jackson would have the best receiver he's ever played with in Justin Jefferson. The question then becomes, do the Vikings part with Dalvin Cook, or find a way to keep him as well? Talk about a dynamic offense.