Shortly after the Baltimore Ravens signed free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., quarterback Lamar Jackson gave fans hope of returning with latest Instagram post.
The Baltimore Ravens had been in the spotlight throughout the offseason for their negotiations with quarterback Lamar Jackson. They placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on the 2019 NFL MVP, allowing him to negotiate an offer sheet with other teams, but he hasn’t had any takers. Then, at the annual league meetings recently, Jackson announced that he had requested a trade from the Ravens on March 2. That caused Ravens fans to panic, as there is no solid answer as to who would be quarterback if Jackson refuses to play.
But on Sunday, the Ravens did make a big move — they were able to sign free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year contract, worth up to $18 million, with $15 million being guaranteed. While that was all well and good, Ravens fans were wondering who would be throwing passes.
Well, Jackson responded to the signing on his Instagram story, posting a screen capture of a facetime call that he had with Beckham.
Lamar Jackson reacts to Ravens signing of WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Ravens fans were certainly hoping that this is some good news regarding the relationship between the team and Jackson. But then, the team’s official Twitter account posted the same photo from Jackson’s Instagram account.
Shortly after the signing, CBS Sports insider Josina Anderson tweeted out that team owner Steve Bisciotti was in contact with Beckham frequently this offseason, and was “pitching him on the idea of coming to Baltimore, the support he would have with the team and the necessity of helping to square things with Lamar Jackson as well.”
theScore NFL insider Jordan Schultz provided an update, reporting that Jackson and Beckham had “multiple conversations” during the wide receiver’s free agency tour, and that they discussed teaming up and winning the Super Bowl with the Ravens.
Jackson is set to make $32.4 million for the 2023 season if he is going to play on the franchise tag. Teams could send an offer sheet to the Ravens, who have the chance to match it or decline it. If they were to decline, then they would receive a first-round pick in each of the next two NFL Drafts in exchange. As mentioned earlier, no team has pursued Jackson.
For those wondering what Jackson’s thoughts are of the Ravens bringing in Beckham, he seems to approve of it. Now, we wait to see what is to come of the quarterback’s contractual status with the team will be.
