Recent NFL news means Texans can target QB Lamar Jackson
Why the Houston Texans are in a great position to make the most out of the recent NFL news.
The latest NFL news – courtesy of the Baltimore Ravens – just changed the entire offseason for many teams including the Houston Texans. How?
The Ravens are placing the franchise tag on QB Lamar Jackson, per Kimberley A. Martin from ESPN. But there's an important note: It's the non-exclusive franchise tag. That means that the MVP-winning quarterback is free to negotiate with any NFL team.
The Ravens would then have the opportunity to match any offer sheet he signs. If they don't, they would receive two first-round picks in return.
The Texans need a quarterback to be competitive again. For almost a year, that conversation has centered around the top 2023 QB prospects.
Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson have been the main characters all throughout the offseason but now Lamar, who has already established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league, joins the conversation.
What would it take for the Texans to make this happen?
Two things.
No. 1: A fully guaranteed deal for Lamar Jackson. The standout quarterback has been unwavering in his request for such a deal, following the blueprint of Deshaun Watson's deal over in Cleveland.
But they need something a bit stronger than that. They need to make an offer Jackson can't refuse the Ravens can't match. It has to be a big, big number.
The Texans are among the lowest-spending NFL teams since 2021 and have the fourth-most cap space in 2023. If they really want to (and why on Earth wouldn't they!?), they could be a protagonist in the Lamar Jackson Saga.
Not to mention, they have four first-round picks over the next couple of years. Draft compensation is far from a concern.
Number two, they need something that's out of their control. They'd need the Ravens to NOT match their respective offer. After all, Baltimore will have a final say in things.
One thing is for sure. The Texans' offseason just got a whole lot more interesting. And Lamar Jackson is the No. 1 "available" quarterback.
