Lamar Jackson Next NFL Team Odds: Lions New Favorites If QB Leaves Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens and star quarterback Lamar Jackson, the former unanimous NFL MVP, probably were never going to agree on a long-term contract extension. For one thing, Jackson wanted more than the $230 million guaranteed that the Cleveland Browns gave Deshaun Watson last offseason. In a vacuum, Jackson does deserve more because he’s a better player, but that contract was an outlier and every other NFL owner was furious with the Browns for handing it out.

Second, Jackson is acting as his own agent so that made negotiations that much more challenging. And lastly, the ex-Heisman Trophy winner has been limited to 12 games each of the past two seasons due to injury. With his rather small stature and running style, Jackson is perhaps more apt to get hurt than most QBs, so the Ravens are being cautious.

Baltimore has slapped the franchise tag on Jackson, but the non-exclusive version. That’s a benefit for the Ravens as it would lock in Jackson’s 2023 salary at $32 million instead of $45 million on an exclusive tag. However, the non-exclusive tag does allow Jackson to negotiate with other teams and sign an offer sheet. The Ravens could match the offer, decline to do so and get two first-round picks, or simply agree on a trade package overall. The team also still has until mid-July to work out a long-term deal.

Where will Jackson be playing in Week 1 in 2023 if not the Ravens? Let’s break down the betting options at the top-rated sports betting sites.

When we addressed this prop earlier this offseason, the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders and Las Vegas Raiders were all among the favorites. Yet Atlanta reportedly is not interested (not sure why) and is not a betting option. Las Vegas is now +900 and Washington +1200 despite reports out of those cities those teams aren’t interested, either.

The Detroit Lions are +300 NFL betting favorites, but why give up two first-round picks after current QB Jared Goff had one of his best seasons in 2022 – plus then pay Jackson $250 million? Detroit does have two first-round picks in this year’s draft (only one this year, No. 18 overall, would be lost if the Ravens don’t match). Then again, if Aaron Rodgers leaves Green Bay and with Tom Brady retired, Jackson might automatically become the NFC’s top QB. He’s better than Goff.

Tampa Bay (+450) still hasn’t replaced Brady, and the only QB on the roster is inexperienced former second-round pick Kyle Trask. The Bucs are dealing with some major salary-cap headaches, though.

Indianapolis (+500) has tried going the veteran QB route the past few seasons and it hasn’t worked. Seems more likely the Colts take a QB very high in next month’s draft, perhaps trading up to No. 1 overall with Chicago to do so.

The New York Jets (+600), New England (+700), Tennessee (+700) and Miami (+900) round out the favorites. The Dolphins have said they aren’t interested – even though Jackson is from south Florida – as they are committed to Tua Tagovailoa. The Jets appear close to getting Rodgers, but if that falls through would make a lot of sense. The Titans haven’t cut Ryan Tannehill…..yet.