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NFL Rumors: Ravens Explored Mayfield, Brissett, QB Market After Lamar Jackson Tag
March 15, 2023
The Baltimore Ravens explored signing free-agent quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett amid the uncertainty regarding Lamar Jackson's future, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Neither option remains available. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Mayfield agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reported that Jacoby Brissett will sign a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders.
In other quarterback news, the Ravens placed a contract tender on backup and restricted free agent Tyler Huntley on Wednesday:
Jamison Hensley @jamisonhensleyTyler Huntley received the first right of refusal tender.<br><br>Huntley can get signed to an offer sheet until April 21.<br><br>If Huntley signs an offer sheet, Ravens have 7 days to either match it or let Huntley leave without any compensation.<br><br>His tender is one-year, $2.627M.
If the Ravens are going to add a veteran to either serve as a backup for Jackson if his situation is resolved or as a potential bridge starter, other options on the market include Matt Ryan, Teddy Bridgewater, Gardner Minshew, Marcus Mariota and Carson Wentz.
Obviously resolving Jackson's situation would be ideal. The 2019 MVP is free to seek offer sheets from other teams around the NFL after Baltimore placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on him, though the Ravens will have the right to match any offer he signs.
If he signs an offer sheet and they decline to match, they would receive two first-round picks from the signing team.
Alternatively, Jackson and the Ravens could agree on a long-term deal, the Ravens could agree to a sign-and-trade deal with another team or Jackson could play the 2023 season under his franchise tag and potentially become a free agent again next offseason.
It's a fluid situation, and the Ravens are running low on strong alternatives if Jackson ultimately departs.
Still, it would be a major shock if the Ravens didn't find a way to keep the 26-year-old, who threw for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions in just 12 games last year, completing 62.3 percent of his passes and taking 26 sacks while also rushing for 764 yards and three scores.
Playmakers of Jackson's stature don't exactly grow on trees, and the Ravens have built their offense and franchise around his talents. Losing him would essentially usher in a rebuild, regardless of which veteran backup plan they bring aboard.