Unlike many other NFL teams, the Baltimore Ravens have a franchise quarterback. Lamar Jackson has led the team to three straight playoff appearances and has accumulated numerous accolades and awards.
Despite not having a lot of playoff success yet, Jackson is one of the best young stars in the NFL and has a very bright future. However, NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks suggested that if another young quarterback is within Baltimore’s reach in the 2021 draft, they should consider making a trade up with some of the new picks that they acquired this week.
Did I just hear you right? @BuckyBrooks I would be sick 😫😫😫 #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/RdA2WWkeFQ
— Angiebaby (@AnGdmedizzle) April 23, 2021
The overall point that Brooks is trying to hammer home makes sense in theory, but for the Ravens it would make no sense to part ways with a quarterback who is less than two years removed from winning the second unanimous MVP award in NFL history and has shown the potential to be one of the greatest players of all time. While he still has things to improve upon, trading draft capital to move up for a rookie would set the franchise back years, as Jackson has plenty of valuable NFL experience and has improved his game in many different areas.
There’s no doubt that Justin Fields can be a great player at the next level. However, surrendering assets to acquire a position that is at the bottom of Baltimore’s needs list — plus moving away from Jackson — is a scenario that wouldn’t benefit the Ravens in any way. It’s a fair point to ask why Brooks didn’t suggest his idea to the Bills or the Browns for Josh Allen or Baker Mayfield, respectively.
There are plenty of reasons that Baltimore is going to reward Jackson with a contract extension. The organization has believed in him since day one, built an offense around his skill set, and watched him grow. Fields could be a great player in the NFL, but the Ravens would be more than happy with their decision to watch Jackson continue to grow both on and off the field.