Colts' Steichen on Lamar Jackson amid Trade Rumors: 'We're Focused on the Draft'

Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen says the organization is not currently focused on quarterback options on other teams like Lamar Jackson.

"We're focused on the draft and I'm focused on the players that are in the building right now," Steichen told reporters Wednesday.

The Colts have been mentioned among Jackson's top suitors should he leave the Baltimore Ravens this offseason. Baltimore placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on its star quarterback in March, which allows Jackson to explore the open market while giving the Ravens the option to match any contract he signs.

The market for Jackson has been surprisingly quiet. Several teams have acquired lesser options, to the point some prominent people around the NFL have wondered whether owners are colluding against Jackson. The 2019 NFL MVP has reportedly sought a fully guaranteed contract similar to the one the Cleveland Browns gave to Deshaun Watson a year ago.

NFL owners have vehemently fought against signing fully guaranteed contracts, and the league at large was angry with the Browns for handing Watson $230 million guaranteed—particularly after more than 20 women accused him of sexual assault or misconduct.

Jackson also does not have an agent, which has been its own wrinkle in negotiations.

"I wish I was the agent for Lamar Jackson because I'm confident I could get a deal worked out for him," power agent Drew Rosenhaus said last week on The Pat McAfee Show. "There's ways to get deals done and I'm confident I could get a deal done with the Ravens or another team."

The Colts have the No. 4 overall pick in this month's NFL draft, but it's looking increasingly like they might get stuck with the fourth-best option at quarterback if they choose that route. Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud are widely expected to be taken with the first two picks in the draft, and Anthony Richardson is looking like a strong bet at No. 3 if a team trades up with the Arizona Cardinals.