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Former NFL GM predicts where Ravens’ Lamar Jackson will play in 2023
Former NFL GM predicts where Ravens' Lamar Jackson will play in 2023,Former New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins general manager Randy Mueller speaks out on who he think Lamar Jackson will play for this coming season.

Former NFL GM predicts where Ravens’ Lamar Jackson will play in 2023

Former New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins general manager Randy Mueller agrees with NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport and thinks Lamar Jackson will ultimately play for the Baltimore Ravens this coming season. 

“It’s the best fit on both sides,” Mueller, a co-host of “The Football GM” podcast and the director of player personnel for the Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL, told The Athletic’s James Boyd. “They’ve already been committed to building around him. I think it’s crazy to leave that, and whatever guaranteed contract hill he’s on, he needs to come off. They may be the only team willing to pay him, and if he refuses to play for them, come September it’s gonna cost him $2M a week.” 

Jackson had his rights for 2023-24 retained via the non-exclusive franchise tag and can speak with other teams about a deal. Baltimore can match any offer or accept two first-round draft picks for the one-time NFL Most Valuable Player who has been negotiating without a representative certified by the NFL Players Association and who allegedly wants over $230M in fully guaranteed money. 

Sports finance expert Marc Ganis recently explained that Jackson may be costing himself by continuing to work without an agent. Mueller seems to agree with that take. 

“The awkwardness of no agent, the commitment of potentially a fully guaranteed deal, two first-round picks, a change in style of 99% of the offenses in the league — that’s a giant pivot for most teams,” Mueller said about why no club has presented Jackson with a meaningful offer ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft. “It’s the off-the-field, the business side of it, that really makes it a hard deal to make.” 

Mueller does believe that Jackson could attract some interest if at least one quarterback-needy club misses out on a top-tier prospect during the player-selection process later this month. 

“I wouldn’t commit to anything, whether I’m him or a team, until after the draft,” Mueller noted. “If I’m him, I want to sit tight and wait and see where I can pinpoint a place that makes sense. One, they have to have cap room. Two, they have to have a quarterback job open. But I would also solicit the help of some experienced minds and agents who’ve been through this with other quarterbacks that can help us find a solution.” 

One team to keep an eye on regarding Jackson remains the New England Patriots. Quarterback Mac Jones and head coach Bill Belichick seem to be on rocky terms this spring, and it’s possible either or both could be interested in a divorce before summer training camp sessions open.