07 April 2023 , 19:50
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The Baltimore Ravens might already have identified their like-for-like replacement for Lamar Jackson.
Jackson put the league on notice last month when he asked to be traded away from the Ravens after the two parties failed to come to terms on a long-term contract extension.
The 26-year-year-old former league MVP was hit with a non-exclusive franchise tag by the franchise earlier this off-season, allowing him to speak to other teams regarding a trade. The tag allows the Ravens to match any incoming offer, but Jackson has decided that he wishes to move on from Baltimore.
Although no offer has yet to come in for the quarterback, interest could be heightened around the time when the NFL Draft begins later this month.
The Ravens do not want to lose Jackson, but must know that they should prepare themselves for a situation in which an offer comes in for the former MVP.
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And that action has already been undertaken by the franchise, who will use one of their pre-draft interviews on Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Prior to the draft, NFL teams are allowed to meet with just 30 prospects who played college outside of their state - not too many considering over 500 players will be eligible to be selected.
The Ravens using one on Richardson, a quarterback projected to be taken within the first 10 draft picks, suggests they might be preparing for a world in which Jackson is traded.
Lamar Jackson remains available as his contract situation with Baltimore rumbles onNFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe tweeted: "Anthony Richardson has top-30 visits in April scheduled with Panthers (pick #1), Colts (4), Raiders (7), Falcons (8) and Titans (11), per sources. Richardson is in Gainesville this week ahead of his Florida pro day Thursday, final of top QB prospects to make their pro day mark.
"A look at Anthony Richardson top-30 pre-draft visits, per sources. Starts with Raiders this week, he’s there today. Then he visits Panthers (Sunday/Monday) & Colts (Tuesday/Wednesday). The week of April 16, Richardson is scheduled to visit Titans, Falcons & Ravens in that order."
Richardson is reportedly in consideration to be drafted by both the Panthers and Colts within the top four draft picks, with this draft seeing four quarterbacks potentially taking within the first selections.
Ohio State's CJ Stroud remains the favourite to be drafted first overall, with Bryce Young from Alabama expected to go second to the Houston Texans.
But should Jackson be traded prior to the draft, a huge shake-up could see Baltimore look to find their replacement, potentially moving up for their man.