Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson Wants To Cut Ties With Ravens

This story was last updated Monday at 1:06 p.m.

BALTIMORE, MD — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said Monday that he requested to be traded from the team.

Jackson's rookie contract ended after this past season. The Ravens have said they are actively trying to sign Jackson to a long-term deal to stay in Baltimore for years to come.

Negotiations have grown tense, however, with plenty of media leaks and speculation that both sides are frustrated.

The Ravens recently placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson. That means he is free to negotiate a long-term contract extension with another team.

If Jackson reaches an agreement with another team, the Ravens would have the chance to match that offer to sign him long-term. If Baltimore does not match that offer, Jackson will be traded to the other team in exchange for two first-round NFL draft picks.

If Jackson does not strike a deal with another team, he would stay with the Ravens this year on a one-year contract.

"As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value," Jackson tweeted Monday. "Any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team win the super bowl."

win the super bowl. You all are great but I had to make a business decision that was best for my family and I. No matter how far I go or where my career takes me, I’ll continue to be close to my fans of Baltimore Flock nation and the entire State of Maryland. You’ll See me again
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023

Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh said he still plans to have Jackson at the helm this season.

"We're building our offense around that idea," Harbaugh said Monday at the NFL owners' meetings. "I'm just looking forward to getting back to football, and I'm confident that's going to happen."

Harbaugh also said he is planning for other quarterback options just in case Jackson does not return, but Jackson remains his top priority.

"You gotta plan for all the contingencies for sure, but I'm pretty fired up about Lamar Jackson," Harbaugh added. "Lamar Jackson is a great player."

Kyle Barber, the managing editor of the Ravens news site Baltimore Beatdown, thinks a trade is looming after Jackson experienced multiple injury-shortened seasons and an offseason filled with drama.

"This relationship has been fractured," Barber said in a story reacting to Jackson's announcement. "To find out Jackson’s trade request is 25 days old makes it more clear."