Theory: Ravens Preparing to Trade Lamar Jackson to Colts for Anthony Richardson
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are bulking up their defense and trying to get Kenny Pickett the best group possible for the 2023 season. Meanwhile, their AFC North foes the Baltimore Ravens are dealing with a very public quarterback controversy - and in what now feels like a weekly occurrence, they're making headlines because of it once again.
With Lamar Jackson seeking a trade out of Baltimore in order to land a long-term deal he feels fits his demands, the Ravens are looking for alternatives. Reports have claimed that they're approaching outside options at quarterback, and are now doing some scouting on a big-name QB in the NFL Draft.
According to CBS Sports' Josina Anderson, the Ravens are scheduled to host Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson for a pre-draft visit. On the surface, this doesn't mean much, but there could be some logic about a deeper scouting report on a top-10 pick.
The way the Ravens sit right now, they hold the 22nd pick in the first round. Chances are, even if they gave up pick 22, they wouldn't be able to move into the top five, where Richardson is expected to land.
But what if they're thinking about a potential trade? The Indianapolis Colts may be the only quarterback-needy team not to have reports say they are out on Jackson. They sit with the fourth-overall pick, and if Jackson is their pick over Richardson or Will Levis, maybe Baltimore ends up in the top five.
Right now, the noise around the Jackson situation and other teams is quiet. Teams couldn't make an offer to Jackson because the Ravens have five days to match it, and during that time, the cap space they offered for the QB would be placed on hold and be unable to be used in free agency.
As the NFL Draft approaches, free agency becomes less of a need, and the Ravens could be more rushed to make a decision if someone makes an offer sheet before draft day.
That team likely being the Colts - if any.
It's nothing more than a theory at this point, but one that might have something behind it. Richardson isn't sliding to 22, and with the other teams bringing him in for a top 30 visit all sitting within the top 11 picks, there has to be some logic about inviting him to Baltimore.
Maybe they're thinking of life after Jackson. Maybe they're thinking of a trade.
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