Report: New York Jets will consider Lamar Jackson if he is available
On Sunday night, following the New York Jets‘ season-finale loss, NFL reporter Connor Hughes of The Athletic listed three veteran quarterback options that New York is considering pursuing in the 2023 offseason: Jimmy Garoppolo, Derek Carr, and… Lamar Jackson.
Hughes labeled Jackson as a “wild card”, saying that if Jackson becomes available and the Ravens are willing to listen to offers, the Jets “will do everything they can to position themselves to make a very, very, very compelling offer for Lamar Jackson.”
The #Jets will have a new starting quarterback for the 2023 season.
They’ll pursue Jimmy G, Derek Carr and, if available, Lamar Jackson. pic.twitter.com/xJsPanClXM
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) January 9, 2023
Jackson, who was drafted 32nd overall in the first round of the 2018 draft, is in the final year of his rookie contract. He will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. Of course, the Ravens still essentially have control over Jackson due to the option of using the franchise tag. Acquiring Jackson would likely occur via tag-and-trade.
Jackson and the Ravens engaged in contract discussions throughout the 2022 offseason but could not come to terms on a deal prior to the start of the regular season, so talks were tabled.
In 12 starts this season, Jackson led the Ravens to an 8-4 record. He threw for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions while rushing for 764 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Jackson suffered a PCL sprain in Week 13 and has been sidelined since then. Some reports indicate Jackson will return next Sunday for Baltimore’s playoff game against Cincinnati, although it is still uncertain whether he will be ready. Jackson is yet to practice since suffering the injury. The former MVP has now missed 10 games over the past two seasons.
Carr and Garoppolo were each selected in the second round of the 2014 draft and will be entering their 10th NFL season in 2023. Both veterans are expected to find new homes this offseason.
Carr will likely be released or traded by the Raiders at some point ahead of February 15, which is when his 2023 salary becomes fully guaranteed. Las Vegas made Carr inactive ahead of its Week 17 game and most reports indicated the move was a clear indication that the Raiders are preparing to move on from their nine-year starter.
Garoppolo will be an unrestricted free agent after returning to the 49ers on a one-year deal. He started the year as Trey Lance’s backup before taking over as the starter once Lance suffered an ACL injury in Week 2. Garoppolo started 10 games until a Week 13 foot injury sent him to the sidelines. His expected recovery timetable was 6-to-8 weeks and recent reports indicate he is still on that trajectory, which means he could return at some point during the playoffs.
