The NFL offseason is often a swirling vortex of rumors and reports that more often than not aren't anything substantial, and here comes the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson in the news.
With Lamar's contract set to be a big domino to fall for the franchise, his $74.5 million cap hit has to be massaged down to a reasonable number.
Owner Steve Bisciotti said he wants Jackson as his quarterback and that he will be the Ravens' quarterback moving forward.
But here comes an NFL executive, who spoke to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and offered a trade proposal that sends Lamar to the Las Vegas Raiders.
More: Ravens' vacant HC position is NFL's best, but comes with huge caveat
Why Ravens won't trade Lamar
Right, there are a few problems here.
First, the executive says it would solve Las Vegas' quarterback problems. That's low-hanging fruit. But true to an extent.
Lamar would have Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty as his weapons, but would be behind an offensive line that saw Geno Smith be sacked 55 times in 15 games. Yuck.
Secondly, could you imagine what it would take to get Lamar out of Baltimore? I'm talking multiple first-rounders at least. Would the Raiders part ways with that? I'm not so sure.
Now here's the big thing the executive is missing.
And we are working off Lamar's current contract, not a reworked one or his possible extension.
If Jackson is traded pre June 1, per Over The Cap, the Ravens would eat $57 million in dead money, and only save $17 million.
But if he were traded after June 1, the Ravens' dead cap hit would drop to $22 million, and the franchise would save $52 million in cap space. So that's good.
However, it would leave Baltimore without a quarterback.
Teams aren't waiting until June 1 to bring in a new starting quarterback to begin getting to know his teammates and new head coach, are they?
There are a host of reasons why the Ravens won't trade Lamar. Pick your favorite.
Because there isn't a way that Baltimore will part ways with a two-time MVP winner.
More NFL news:
- Bucs' Baker Mayfield offers explosive 'garbage' quote to Kevin Stefanski
- Are Bills dangerously close to fracturing after McDermott's firing?
- Bears predicted to part ways with $23 million weapon
- Will former Steelers HC Mike Tomlin coach again? Insider drops the hammer on future