Will Lamar Jackson Get Traded in the Offseason? Fantasy Football Outlook

Entering the 2023 NFL offseason, Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is a free agent negotiating for himself. Currently, he and the Baltimore Ravens are approximately $100 million apart.

If the two sides cannot come to terms, the Ravens can allow Jackson to negotiate with other teams by placing a non-exclusive tag on him. The tag is worth $32.416 million. If Jackson goes to a new team after the non-exclusive tag has been placed and the Ravens do not match the new team, they get two first-round picks.

If the Ravens decide to place an exclusive franchise tag on Jackson (worth $45 million), the QB will remain in Baltimore. Whether he plays or not on the exclusive franchise tag remains to be seen.

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Will the Baltimore Ravens Trade Lamar Jackson in the 2023 Offseason?

The Ravens' offense is built around Jackson. When Jackson plays, the Ravens are 45-16. When he is sidelined, the Ravens are 8-13. Part of the problem is Jackson has been out with injuries the last two seasons, only playing 12 games in 2021 and 2022.

Trading Jackson isn't optimal for the Ravens or fantasy football. Jackson has averaged 19.9 fantasy points per game in Baltimore. Last season in 12 games, he finished as QB14, averaging 20.26 fantasy points per game.

The Ravens will attempt to keep Jackson a Raven, but if not...

Could the Ravens Trade Lamar Jackson to the Atlanta Falcons?

For fantasy football purposes, this is the ultimate destination for Jackson. And the Falcons are in a place to bargain. They have the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the 44^th in the second round, and the 75^th in the third round. The Falcons also have the second-most cap space with over $51 million to spend.

Last season, the Falcons' quarterbacks, Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder, had 18% of the team's league-leading rushing attempts (559). Their star wide receiver Drake London is an upgrade for Jackson, and his propensity to throw to the tight end position upgrades Kyle Pitts' fantasy value.

Jackson's 19.9 points per game fantasy average is the floor in Atlanta. With capable receivers and an offense that allows him to use his legs, Jackson's fantasy value would be solid QB1 status.

Could the Ravens Trade Lamar Jackson to the New York Jets?

While the Jets keep their eyes on Aaron Rodgers, they are keeping all of their options open. Nevertheless, they have less to offer than the Falcons. Their cap space is dismal as they are nearly $4 million over the cap and have just the 13^th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. They would have to get creative, and they do have future draft capital if they are willing to go in that direction.

The Jets have a dominant defense, allowing the second-fewest points in 2022 (18.6) and the fourth-fewest yards per game (311.1). Their offense is headed by wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who broke the Jets' rookie receiving record with 1,103 receiving yards. Wilson gained the yards on 147 targets and averaged 13.3 yards per reception. Breece Hall will anchor the run game and proved to be potent before going down with a torn ACL during the 2022 season.

Jackson's fantasy relevance does not take a hit in New York, but his floor is lower. He will be able to adequately feed Wilson, Elijah Moore, and Tyler Conklin, a receiving corps that is an upgrade from what he has had in Baltimore.

The Jets were fourth in team passing percentage in the 2022 season (62.29%). Jackson has a career average of 326 passing attempts per season and a passer rating of 96.7.

Jackson will never be out of the QB1 conversation, but Hall could limit his rushing upside.

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