Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are heading into uncharted waters in the 2023 NFL offseason. Some believe that the franchise may end up franchise tagging him and then being forced to trade him. Others are convinced that Jackson still wants to be a part of the team and that a massive long-term extension will be coming to keep him in town.
Obviously, the Ravens would like to keep him in town if they can. However, there has seemingly been some bad blood that has spilled over into the relationship.
If Jackson wants to force his way out of Baltimore, he will be able to do so. The Ravens will have their work cut out for them trying to mend the friction between the two sides.
All of that being said, if the Ravens do end up looking to trade Jackson this offseason, let’s take a look at a couple of dark-horse potential trade destinations.
2 Dark-Horse Trade Destinations For Lamar Jackson
2. Carolina Panthers
First up, we have to talk about the Panthers. They are entering a new era of football with former Indianapolis Colts’ head coach Frank Reich now taking over as head coach in Carolina. At this point in time, the Panthers have Sam Darnold as their starting quarterback, which certainly isn’t an ideal situation.
Carolina did go out and draft Matt Corral, which could give them a future option should they choose to give him a chance. Or, they could try to make a splash this offseason.
The Panthers have put together a solid all-around team. Honestly, they are simply just a star quarterback away from being a playoff contender in the NFC.
If the franchise is ready to go all-out to compete, they could put together an intriguing trade package for Jackson. He would have a true No. 1 weapon in DJ Moore and a talented backfield to work with. The Panthers would still have some work to do, but Lamar Jackson would be a big step in the right direction.
READ MORE: NFL World Reacts To Colts’ Puzzling Coaching Search
1. Minnesota Vikings
The best potential trade destination and biggest dark-horse is the Minnesota Vikings. If Jackson were to leave the Ravens, the Vikings would be the best possible landing spot that he could hope to find.
Justin Jefferson is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL right now. Adam Thielen may be back for another season and the Vikings also have Dalvin Cook in the backfield. Add in TJ Hockenson at tight end and Minnesota simply needs to find a superstar quarterback to lead the way.
During the 2022 season, the Vikings went 13-4 in the regular season. Unfortunately, they ended up getting knocked out of the playoffs in the Wild Card round by a final score of 31-24 by the New York Giants. That would not have happened with Jackson under center.
If the Vikings were to add Lamar Jackson via a blockbuster trade this offseason, they would have one of the most entertaining offenses that we have ever seen. Can you imagine a unit of Jackson, Cook, Jefferson, Thielen, and Hockenson? Minnesota definitely should explore this option if given the chance.
For More Great Football Content
Follow us on Twitter at @GridironHeroics for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Football news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
