PFF names its top free agent
The franchise tag season in the NFL officially started Tuesday. Teams will need to sort out what valuable player they need to keep but won’t be able to reach a long-term deal with this offseason. The New York Giants probably have the most interesting situation with Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. Pro Football Focus recently came out with their predictions on where the number one free agent will play in 2023.
In a piece in PFF by Arjun Menon and Brad Spielberger, they project quarterback Lamar Jackson as the number one free agent this offseason. They think Jackson ultimately ends up staying in the city that drafted him. PFF predicts his quarterback game will progress if the Ravens can help him out with roster talent:
“Jackson seemingly makes strides every season in the areas of his game previously identified as weaknesses. In 2022, Jackson’s 57.1% of passes being charted as accurate was a career high, and his 54.8% accuracy rate on balls thrown outside the numbers was more than a five-percentage-point improvement compared to his previous season high, an area for which he has long received criticism.
With continued growth as a traditional passer — which should only continue if Baltimore can add more receiving weapons and an offensive coordinator with more pass-game prowess — Jackson can be a walking highlight reel through the air and on the ground for years to come.”
Jackson wants a payday
Because Jackson is asking for a ginormous payday, the Ravens might have to look at other options this offseason. He’s listed by NFL insiders as a ripe candidate to get the franchise tag this offseason. Jackson has reportedly turned down a contract with $133 million in guarantees. The 2019 NFL MVP wants a contract with guarantees in the ballpark of Deshaun Watson–or he’s willing to risk being a free agent.
That’s not an unreasonable request for Jackson to make. He’s the more decorated quarterback. The Ravens’ best move is to make a deal that will keep Jackson in Baltimore while allowing the team to keep the necessary cap space and sign weapons to help the passing attack.
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