Possible ripple effects from Ravens signing Odell Beckham Jr.: Lamar Jackson plays on the tag
It's been a whirlwind of emotions for the former MVP, but Lamar Jackson could now have the biggest reason yet to return and play on the franchise tag for 2023. He and Beckham have a great relationship, which is one reason why it's not hard to believe Jackson would play this year out for the Ravens.
It's only one year, but that one year could make or break the future of Jackson in Baltimore and, well, the NFL for that matter. If Jackson and Beckham both stay healthy and can ball out this coming season, they'll both be better off for it, and so will Baltimore.
Assuming health, Jackson and Beckham could have some of the best years of their career in 2023. If that's the case, and both are playing on one-year deals, the the Ravens would have no choice but to keep them together for the foreseeable future.
Back to this year, though. It only makes sense that Jackson would stay with the Ravens for at least 2023. Beckham would not have come to the Ravens had he known Tyler Huntley would be at quarterback. He had a meeting scheduled with the Jets on Monday, which he obviously canceled after signing in Baltimore. It's not like there weren't other teams interested.
Beckham chose Baltimore because, behind the scenes, there was already an understanding that Jackson would be his quarterback. If you believe anything different, someone has fooled you.