49ers Out on Trey Lance? How Potential Trade Could be Key to Ravens And Lamar Jackson Deal

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are barreling towards a stalemate that could disrupt the NFL Draft and their season. With contract talks seemingly not moving in any direction but the wrong one, Lamar and the Ravens are at loggerheads.

But there could be some movement...

The San Francisco 49ers, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, are reportedly willing to listen to offers for quarterback Trey Lance.

Why does this concern Baltimore?

If the Ravens genuinely believe that the contract situation isn't going to resolve itself with Jackson, then a trade for Lance could make sense. Even ESPN has put forth a potential trade package that would send Lance and Jackson to opposite teams.

The 49ers quarterback isn't a known commodity in NFL circles. Still, the Ravens, if a trade were to be facilitated, could free themselves of the media circus surrounding Jackson's contract, and it likely wouldn't break the bank either.

But there could be another side to this and it isn't the cleanest.

Often in negotiations, the most important rule is to show the other party you are willing to walk away from the deal. If Baltimore registers interest in Lance, could that signal to Jackson that the franchise is willing to walk away and try their hand with Lance?

Possibly.

It could also make Lamar think twice before making this saga drag out longer than needed. If Baltimore is "looking" like it will potentially walk away from Jackson, it could be the fire starter for the quarterback to knuckle down and sort out a contract.

While it seems unfair to use Lance as the middle-man in negotiations (although a trade wouldn't be the worst idea for both parties), but this is a business after all, and if Baltimore is tired of the situation lingering, then there has to come a time where a line is drawn.

It doesn't feel like Lamar will play anywhere else but in Baltimore next year, but the thought of the franchise moving on from him might get Jackson to sign a long-term contract.

The idea might sound farfetched, but this is the NFL, so never say never.