'How Long Can That Last?': Why Falcons Owner Arthur Blank Didn't Pursue Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
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It's perhaps the biggest question of the NFL offseason - will star quarterback Lamar Jackson return to the Baltimore Ravens, and if not, where will he go?
Once Jackson, who has since requested a trade, was officially given the non-exclusive franchise tag and teams were allowed to submit offers, some figured that other organizations would be lining up to land the 2019 Most Valuable Player's services.
But shortly thereafter, reports surfaced that several teams expected to be in pursuit Jackson weren't interested - and now, one of them has revealed exactly why.
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, speaking at the NFL owners meeting, cited Jackson's durability ...
“Looking at it objectively, there is some concern about whether or not he can play his style of game for … how long can that last,” Blank told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“I’m not sure. He’s only 26. Hopefully a long time for his benefit or anybody that he’s signed with."
Blank added that it's "not like baseball and basketball" where the seasons are longer, noting Jackson missing five games in each of the past two seasons.
Further, the contract Jackson is likely to receive would've "tied up" approximately 25 percent of Atlanta's salary cap, per Blank, which can "put a lot of restraint" on depth and team building.
In essence, there were multiple reasons behind the Falcons' decision to not pursue Jackson - although Blank made sure to note how highly he thinks of the two-time Pro Bowler.
“You have a winner, a most valuable player in the league,” Blank said. “He’s won a number of games. There’s no question that he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the league.”
But ultimately, the "concern" surrounding Jackson's "style" proved too much, at least for Atlanta ... and could certainly be the case for other teams around the league.
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