The Pittsburgh Steelers are fortunate enough to have their long-term answer at quarterback in Kenny Pickett. Fortunately for the organization, the same cannot be said for an AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens. The team placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on star quarterback Lamar Jackson on March 7, meaning that he has the ability to negotiate with other teams. Since then, his market has been surprisingly quiet. This may be changing in the near future as we draw closer to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Over the past few days, there has been growing speculation that the Indianapolis Colts may be interested in the services of Jackson for the 2023 season and beyond. A recent article by ESPN reporter Stephen Holder details why a marriage between the Colts and Jackson may be beneficial for both parties. Lamar wants a new contract and the Colts want a franchise quarterback. Simple, right?
There are, however, a multitude of complications both sides would need to work out in order to make the deal work. Most notably, a contract that Lamar feels is an accurate representation of his level of play at quarterback.
Would Lamar Solve The Revolving Door Problem At Quarterback For the Colts?
Since former Colts quarterback Andrew Luck retired in 2019, the team has had very little "luck" in finding their franchise guy. Over the past four seasons, the team has had a different starter behind center every year. Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and most recently, Matt Ryan have failed to fill the void left behind by the sudden retirement of Luck.
Jackson would without question be an upgrade from a talent perspective over all of these players and would add a new sense of excitement to the Colts offense led by first-year head coach Shane Steichen.
Additionally, Colts general manager Chris Ballard, has been extremely vocal in his desire for the team to find their long-term answer at quarterback.
When you're changing quarterbacks every year, it's tough. It's tough on everybody," said Ballard regarding the Colts' QB situation.
As Holder points out in his article, the need for the Colts to find an elite quarterback is especially vital when you consider how competitive the AFC is right now. Does the team really expect to beat Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs or Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills with a middle-of-the-road quarterback? Most likely not. Would Lamar Jackson make the team an immediate contender in the AFC South?
Absolutely, but the decision to bring Jackson in would be a huge financial commitment as he has been extremely adamant in his aspirations of receiving a fully, or nearly fully, guaranteed contract. Not to mention, if the Colts do offer him a deal and the Ravens choose not to match it, the Colts would have to fork over two first-round picks to Baltimore. A substantial price for a player who has missed 11 games over the past two seasons.
How Would Lamar Signing With The Colts Impact The Steelers In 2023?
Jackson joining the Colts and subsequently leaving the AFC North would benefit the Steelers in 2023, as it is difficult to imagine the Ravens finding an upgrade at quarterback this late in the offseason. If he does indeed leave Baltimore, the team would most likely look to the 2023 NFL Draft to find their next signal-caller. The Ravens currently hold the No. 22 pick in the first round.
Barring a trade up, most of the premier quarterbacks such as Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Will Levis will be long gone by that point. One name to possibly keep an eye on is Anthony Richardson, the former Florida Gators quarterback. He has a very similar playing style to Lamar and would fit in their offense from a schematic viewpoint rather nicely. Many experts view Richardson as more of a developmental prospect, meaning that he may not be ready to start in the NFL as a rookie.
One thing is for sure, the ongoing saga with Jackson and the Ravens has hurt the team in free agency dramatically in 2023. The team has failed to upgrade their roster, as many players are hesitant to sign with Baltimore with so many questions left unanswered surrounding their quarterback situation.
On the other hand, the Steelers have done a tremendous job of adding starting-quality players at positions of need. Jackson may be on his way out of Baltimore, but he certainly left his mark on the team this offseason. He truly has handcuffed the Ravens' ability to add talent to a roster that so desperately needs it.
How would Lamar leaving the AFC North affect the Steelers' chances of winning the division in 2023? Do you view the Colts as a good fit for him? Do you think Anthony Richardson would a possible replacement? Let's hear it in the comments!
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