Texans have a unique advantage in Lamar Jackson sweepstakes
The Texans could potentially offer the most enticing package for Lamar Jackson.
The Texans are undoubtedly looking for a franchise quarterback.
Many have assumed the team will draft one at the beginning of the 2023 NFL Draft. However, what if the team decides to go in a different direction?
On Tuesday, before the deadline, the Baltimore Ravens placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on QB Lamar Jackson. This means that Jackson is allowed to negotiate with other teams, but the Ravens have the right to match any offer. If the Ravens decline to match, Jackson's new team would have to send the Ravens two first-round picks.
Jackson would assuredly be worth the price. Jackson holds the record for most rushing yards in a season by a QB, with 1,206. The star QB has also developed as a passer, having collected over 11,000 passing yards in four seasons at the starter.
Enter the Houston Texans.
The Texans have two first-round picks in both the 2023 NFL Draft and the 2024 NFL Draft. This means the compensation for Jackson would not be a problem.
However, Bill Barnwell of ESPN recently pointed out that the offer sheet route is not the only option for teams. Technically, a team could negotiate a sign-and-trade with the Ravens.
Say for instance, the Ravens value the second pick in the 2023 draft highly. The Ravens could sign Lamar Jackson and then trade him to Houston for the second overall pick (and likely additional assets).
This route would likely allow the Texans to keep both 2024 first rounders and the Ravens would be in prime position to land Jackson's replacement.
This all depends on what the Texans would be comfortable parting with, and if the Ravens value the second pick in 2023 highly enough.
Houston certainly has the money to make the deal happen- only two teams currently have more cap space than the Texans.
The Bears have the most cap space, but are not expected to be involved in the QB market. The Falcons have the second most cap space, but will not be pursuing the veteran QB, according to Field Yates of ESPN.
In fact, Yates listed the Dolphins, Panthers, Commanders, and Raiders as other teams not currently interested in Jackson.
That does not leave many options for Jackson, perhaps giving the Texans a legitimate shot at the star signal-caller.
Whether the Texans go the free agency or draft route, it seems inevitable that there will be someone new under center in Houston in 2023.
