Lamar Jackson Trade 'Never Considered' by Commanders - But Why Not?
PHOENIX - A key takeaway from coach Ron Rivera's media session here at the NFL owners meeting in Phoenix on Tuesday?
His Washington Commanders "never considered'' pursuing Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
This is confirmation of GM Martin Mayhew's statement on Monday on how the club is "moving forward'' with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett this season.
But given the relative talents of all the aforementioned names ... and given the importance of the QB position ... and given the fact that Washington hasn't employed a long-term star quarterback in - what, half-a-century? - the question lingers ...
Why not?
Rivera said that the front office's self-evaluation of the roster formed the decision to pass on a chase of Jackson, who is seeking a contract greatly in excess of the $32 million he's presently slated to get via the Ravens tag. In addition to the contractual price, a winning bidder on Jackson will have to sacrifice two first-round picks to Baltimore as well.
So ... Rivera and Mayhew never really made an overture toward the 2019 NFL MVP.
Jackson this week announced on Twitter that he has requested a trade away from Baltimore while also thanking his fans "for all of the love and support you consistently show towards me. All of you are amazing and I appreciate y’all so much.''
Jackson's future is unknown. But in a sense, so is the future of the Commanders QB room.
Rivera has suggested that Howell will get a chance to be the starter. But the 2022 fifth-round pick in that NFL Draft now has competition from newcomer vet Jacoby Brissett. ... but won't have competition from Lamar Jackson.
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