AFC North watch: Bengals could benefit from Lamar Jackson’s trade request
While things remain quiet for the Cincinnati Bengals as the team finishes up free agency and makes the rounds at pro days before the NFL draft, the same certainly doesn’t apply elsewhere in the AFC North.
No better example exists than the Baltimore Ravens.
Monday, while head coach John Harbaugh was just minutes into his press conference with reporters at league meetings, Lamar Jackson sent out a string of messages to fans revealing that he had requested a trade from the team back on March 2.
It’s merely the latest entry in a high-stakes showdown between the two parties. The Ravens applied the franchise tag to Jackson and can retain his rights, but he doesn’t have to sign and the team is strapped for cash. The agent-less Jackson hopes that his very public pressure will help a trade happen, but Harbaugh made sure to handwave the whole thing:
in regards to my future plans. As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value, any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023
“I’m getting ready for Lamar. … When Lamar gets back on this train, it’s moving full speed.”#Ravens coach John Harbaugh, on his QB requesting a trade.
“We love him.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 27, 2023
John Harbaugh’s table at the league meetings after Lamar Jackson’s tweet: pic.twitter.com/2QM8wrl3vp
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 27, 2023
This saga is far from over and yet, there’s a very good chance the Bengals won’t see Jackson in the AFC North anymore by the time next season arrives.
