A major development took place in the Lamar Jackson saga on Monday. In an open letter to his fans on Twitter, Jackson announced that he requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens at the beginning of March.
This news comes weeks after the Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on the 2019 NFL MVP quarterback.
That non-exclusive tag (projected to cost $32.416 million) allowed Jackson to speak to other teams. It also gave the Ravens the right to match any offer sheet or take two first-round picks as compensation if they lost their star quarterback.
But if Jackson’s latest tweets are any indication on how things are going in Baltimore, the Ravens are facing a future without the star QB.
Let’s break it down from a betting perspective with the latest hypothetical odds from FOX Bet.
ODDS ON LAMAR JACKSON’S NEXT TEAM
Colts +250 (bet $10 to win $35 total)
Patriots +450 (bet $10 to win $55 total)
Falcons +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Commanders +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total)
Titans +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total)
Lions +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Buccaneers +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Dolphins +1300 (bet $10 to win $140 total)
49ers +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
Jets +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Panthers +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Packers +2500 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Texans +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
*hypothetical odds as of 3/27/2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Is Lamar Jackson-Ravens era over, who Panthers select at No. 1, Aaron Rodgers trade
Albert Breer joins Colin Cowherd to discuss the hottest NFL topics ahead of the annual owners’ meetings, including his reaction to Lamar Jackson requesting a trade from the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens are no longer the betting favorites to be Jackson’s team in 2023. Instead, according to the hypothetical odds at FOX Bet, the Colts have the best chance to snag Lamar.
“Lamar joining new coach Shane Steichen in Indianapolis would be a dream fit after seeing what Steichen and Jalen Hurts accomplished in Philly,” FOX Bet Trading Operations Associate Matthew Griffe explained.
“We still believe there is a good chance that Lamar returns to the Ravens, but if Colts GM Chris Ballard can pull this move off, they would immediately challenge the Jaguars as AFC South favorites.”
The next-shortest odds belong to the Patriots (+450) — a team that could use a boost at quarterback after finishing the 2022 season with an 8-9 record. New England’s starter Mac Jones showed promise during his rookie year, passing for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns. But in his sophomore season, his production declined and he threw for only 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Could Bill Belichick have a trick up his short sleeve that includes turning a bird into a Patriot?
And speaking of birds, they are known to fly south in the winter. Does this mean Jackson is headed to Georgia later this year to suit up as a Falcon? According to the hypothetical odds, Atlanta is certainly in the mix.
The Dirty Birds have the third-best odds to land Jackson at +650. However, after moving on from Marcus Mariota, the team’s third-round draft pick QB Desmond Ridder saw action in a promising stretch of games where he passed for 708 yards and notched a 63.5% completion rate. Additionally, Atlanta added Taylor Heinicke to the roster as a backup. To make room for Jackson, ATL would indeed need to do the quarterback shuffle.
Lamar Jackson announces he requested a trade from Ravens on March 2
Monday morning, former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson announced on Twitter that he requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens on March 2.
The Commanders, Titans, Dolphins and Buccaneers are also in the conversation but with longer odds. It makes sense, as the Commanders, Titans and Buccaneers all have quarterback questions of their own. Washington already released Carson Wentz, Ryan Tannehill is still the Titans QB but hasn’t been able to get Tennessee over the hump, and the Buccaneers, of course, have to replace Tom Brady this offseason.
Even further south are the Dolphins, whose odds to have Jackson as their starter sit at +1300. After suffering multiple concussions last season, Tua Tagovailoa’s health is a major concern. Since Jackson has expressed his desire to return to the area where he grew up, Miami might be a good fit for No. 8.
Where will Jackson end up playing in 2023? Stay tuned to FOX Sports for all the latest on one of the biggest stories of the NFL offseason.
Top gambling stories from FOX Sports
Download the FOX Super 6 app for your chance to win thousands of dollars on the biggest sporting events each and every week! Just make your picks and you could win the grand prize. Download and play today!
NFL trending
Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more