Insider reveals 'most likely' outcome for Lamar Jackson-Ravens saga

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport seems convinced the Baltimore Ravens and star quarterback Lamar Jackson can eventually work things out this spring or summer. 

"I know the Ravens had been negotiating with him, and he kinda reiterated his trade request, that is where it stands," Rapoport said about Jackson during a Monday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," per Madison Williams of Sports Illustrated. "I know they want to get a deal done. It does seem like his trade request is more like, 'I’d like to get a deal done with the Ravens for the right amount, and if that doesn’t work, then trade me,' that’s kind of what it feels like, more than just like, 'I hate all these people, get me out of here, trade me.'"

The Ravens officially used the non-exclusive franchise tag to retain Jackson's rights for 2023-24 on March 7, and he revealed last Monday he requested a trade on March 2. 

Shortly after Jackson shared that news via Twitter, Rapoport said on NFL Network that the 26-year-old's trade request was "more about money" than about a supposed desire to never play another down for the Ravens. 

Jackson can speak with other clubs while on the non-exclusive tag. Baltimore can match any offer given to the one-time NFL Most Valuable Player or accept two first-round draft picks as compensation. 

The deadline for teams to sign tagged players to long-term deals is July 17.

"To me, the most likely is he comes back to the Ravens," Rapoport told McAfee. "His market seems to be the best with the Ravens. Other teams know how good he is, but I do feel like the Ravens, like that’s their guy." 

Jackson allegedly wants more fully guaranteed money than the guaranteed $230M Deshaun Watson received after he was traded from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns in March 2022. 

Thus far, it's believed the Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions are among clubs unwilling to give Jackson at least $230M in guaranteed cash this offseason.