What would a potential trade package for Lamar Jackson look like? And would a trade be worthwhile for the Carolina Panthers?
The Baltimore Ravens recently placed the exclusive franchise tag on Lamar Jackson, meaning no other teams can negotiate a contract with the 2019 NFL MVP despite his contract dispute with the organization. However, it’s something the Carolina Panthers and others around the league will be watching with keen interest.
Jackson was vocal in his displeasure about not getting a new contract last off-season. The dual-threat quarterback is likely even more frustrated with being tagged this offseason as speculation mounts about his future.
Despite the Ravens wanting him back, it is doubtful Jackson will want to sign with Baltimore unless he gets paid a lot of money. And rumors of a trade are floating around NFL circles if this situation escalates in the not-too-distant future.
The Panthers are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback. In his first press conference as head coach, Frank Reich said he likes a mobile quarterback who can also distribute from the pocket. Jackson checks both of those boxes and then some.
Although general manager Scott Fitterer outlined his preference to draft and develop, team owner David Tepper might have other ideas if Jackson becomes available. No matter how unlikely that may appear currently.
But what would it take for Carolina to acquire the incredibly talented quarterback? And is the former Louisville stud worth it? Let’s delve a little deeper into this hypothetical scenario.
What benchmarks can the Carolina Panthers learn from?
Based on the Matthew Stafford, Russell Wilson, and Deshaun Watson trades in recent years, a deal for Lamar Jackson would require a lot of draft capital going to the Baltimore Ravens. Perhaps even the biggest package in NFL history.
The Los Angeles Rams gave up first-round picks in 2022 and 2023, together with a third-round selection in their trade for Stafford. Although it was worth its weight in gold looking at the bigger picture.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos sacrificed Drew Lock, Noah Fant, and Shelby Harris, in addition to two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a fifth-round pick to acquire Wilson. The Cleveland Browns parted with three first-rounders and two mid-round selections for Watson.
The Rams did go on to win the Super Bowl in Stafford’s first season. However, the Broncos were one of the NFL’s worst teams and their pick at No. 5 overall belongs to the Seattle Seahawks because of the trade.
Watson has not performed to the level he was expected to. And the Houston Texans have the No. 12 overall pick to go along with their own at No. 2 as a result.
The best comparison Scott Fitterer can use for a Jackson trade is the deal Cleveland made to acquire Watson. A swap where the Browns gave up a number of valuable draft picks despite the significant cloud hanging over the former Clemson star.
The context of this situation is different as well. Watson was dealing with his off-field issues, lowering his trade value. Jackson does not have any concerns of that kind and is a model citizen within the community.
Additionally, Jackson is a former NFL MVP. Something none of the three aforementioned quarterbacks have ever won. This means landing him will take even more capital in all likelihood.
Carolina Panthers trade package for Lamar Jackson
If the Carolina Panthers moved forward with an audacious trade bid for Lamar Jackson, the cost will be severe. And there’s just no telling how any call will be received by the Baltimore Ravens who won’t want to lose their franchise player no matter the compensation.
Certainly, the No. 9 and No. 39 overall selections would need to be traded for starters. It is hard to imagine a trade without an additional two first-round picks as well as some mid-rounders to further sweeten the pot.
A potential package for Jackson would look something like this.
That is quite a haul of draft picks that Carolina would lose. In return, they attain an MVP-level quarterback when he’s healthy.
Staying away from injuries was an area of concern for Jackson in 2022. He missed six games in total, including Baltimore’s soul-crushing defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals in the playoff wildcard round.
A game where if Jackson was available to play, the Ravens would have likely won.
Nevertheless, the former Lousiville Cardinal is a bonafide superstar. But he is due for a hefty contract extension, which would result in a significant salary-cap cap crunch for the Panthers.
Something that will likely lose them at least one, if not multiple key players. Including the likes of Frankie Luvu, Brian Burns, and Derrick Brown. All of them are integral figures in need of big paydays sooner rather than later.
The NFL is a risk-reward league, especially when acquiring a quarterback. But the question remains, is a trade for Jackson worth it?
Carolina Panthers should not trade for Lamar Jackson
Despite Lamar Jackson’s talent and what he would bring to the Carolina Panthers, handicapping the future by selling the farm and losing valuable salary-cap space is not worth it. Especially when considering all the movement and contract shuffling it would take to fit his extension into the team moving forward.
That’s notwithstanding the players Carolina could lose because of the money tied up in Jackson’s mega-money deal. Scott Fitterer is better served to sit at No. 9 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft for the best quarterback available or trade up to secure C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young.
The rookie class is good. Any quarterback Carolina decides to draft would be younger and they would have a much smaller cap hit than Jackson’s extension would be.
This is clearly immensely important to Fitterer after having a front-row seat to a series of suspect free-agent signings and dismal trades under Matt Rhule. This is a mistake the front office figure won’t want to make now that he is calling the shots regarding personnel for the first time.
A trade for Jackson is something Carolina should avoid this off-season if they want to field a deep and complete team over the next handful of years. Although this is probably tempting for David Tepper, whose intentions to bring a marquee figure to the Panthers is well documented.