Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson says that he has requested a trade from the team in a post to his Twitter account on Monday (March 27).
The post came around the same time Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was set to speak to reporters at the league’s annual meeting.
In the series of tweets, Jackson says he requested a trade on March 2 due to the Ravens not meeting his value. Titled “A letter to my fans,” Jackson also thanked his supporters and encouraged them to only listen to the information that comes from him personally.
in regards to my future plans. As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value, any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023
“…I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team win the super bowl,” Jackson tweeted. “You all are great but I had to make a business decision that was best for my family and I. No matter how far I go or where my career takes me, I’ll continue to be close to my fans of Baltimore Flock nation and the entire State of Maryland. You’ll See me again.”
Harbaugh was asked immediately about Jackson’s tweet during the AFC coaches’ breakfast at the league meeting in Phoenix on Monday.
“I haven’t seen the tweet. It’s an ongoing process,” Harbaugh said. “I’m following it very closely, just like everyone else here. I’m looking forward to a resolution.”
“[I’m] thinking about Lamar all the time. Thinking about him as our quarterback,” he added. “We’re building our offense around that idea and I’m just looking forward to football and I’m confident that’s gonna happen.”
John Harbaugh’s table at the league meetings after Lamar Jackson’s tweet: pic.twitter.com/2QM8wrl3vp
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 27, 2023
The Ravens placed the nonexclusive franchise tag on Jackson on March 7 — five days after Jackson said he made his trade request — which allowed him to negotiate with other teams. If Jackson signs an offer sheet, Baltimore would have five days to either match it or receive two first-round picks as compensation. If there is no offer sheet, Jackson would earn $32.416 million this season if he plays under the tag.
Jackson’s contract negotiations have been highly publicized, and many teams have come out saying they are not pursuing the 2019 MVP, who represents himself. Last September, Jackson reportedly turned down a $200 million contract from Baltimore, stating that he wanted a fully guaranteed deal similar to the one Deshaun Watson got from the Browns.
Since entering the league in 2018, the 26-year-old Jackson has become one of the bright, young stars. He is the first quarterback in NFL history with multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons and the first quarterback with 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a season. His 45-16 record is also the fourth-best among all quarterbacks who debuted during the Super Bowl era, trailing only Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady and Roger Staubach. He’s rewritten Ravens records in the air and on the ground while also becoming the youngest QB to ever start a playoff game.
However, there have been concerns recently with his health and his playmaking ability. Over the past two years, Jackson has missed 11 games, including a Wild Card loss to Cincinnati last season. He’s also thrown 33 touchdowns and 20 interceptions the past two years, the highest TD-Int ratio of his career.
No weapon formed against me shall prosper 🙏🏾😇 #Imtheweapon #Jesus #1 #Truzz
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 24, 2023
For Harbaugh, he expects Jackson to come back but will always have his backup plans.
“You got to plan for all the contingencies, for sure,” Harbaugh said. “I’m pretty fired up about Lamar Jackson. Lamar Jackson is a great player. Lamar came back in great shape last year. He’s fired up to play. That’s the Lamar that I’m looking forward to seeing.”
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