Lamar Jackson to the Falcons makes too much sense. So why isn’t it happening?

From the second the Ravens signed QB Lamar Jackson to a non-exclusive franchise tag, many within the public appeared to suppose that Atlanta was the subsequent vacation spot for the previous MVP. Ample receiving targets, a complete lot of cap area, and most significantly, a necessity at QB. Nonetheless, as quickly because the information went public that Jackson acquired a non-exclusive franchise tag, the Falcons responded with lightning velocity (through ESPN’s Dianna Russini):

What? It felt just like the Falcons have been doing one thing dumb by brazenly saying that they weren’t curious about Jackson, particularly when that workforce might presumably be a QB away from rivalry in a weak NFC South. Then, you get into the strikes that the Falcons made in free company. A Jessie Bates deal right here, David Onyemata and Kaden Elliss come on down, and Atlanta re-signed RT Kaleb McGary to a three-year, $34 million deal. All of those strikes make sense in an effort to make the workforce higher, however they nonetheless don’t have a quarterback.

So why is it that the Falcons didn’t go after Jackson?

Effectively should you ask Falcons proprietor Arthur Clean, he would say one thing alongside the strains of this:

Now that is the place we get complicated. The damage considerations are the explanation the Falcons didn’t pursue Jackson, but Lamar has performed in 10 extra video games in his profession than Deshaun Watson, who the Falcons tried to commerce for within the midst of his sexual harassment investigation. As well as, Watson has torn his ACL twice, whereas Jackson’s worst damage is the MCL sprain he suffered within the earlier season.

It feels just like the Falcons are spinning the wheel of mediocrity by not buying and selling for Jackson. Positive, you may attempt constructing every little thing across the QB, however Desmond Ridder isn’t successful sufficient video games to get into rivalry. Taylor Heinecke might begin a number of video games, however then you definately’re simply enjoying the QB carousel till you select to get off. The core gamers for Atlanta on offense have already handled damage points: TE Kyle Pitts solely performed in 10 video games this previous season and RB Cordarrelle Patterson solely performed in 13 video games. As a way to get essentially the most out of those guys, why not commerce for a perennial MVP candidate who was having one other nice 12 months earlier than he was injured?

So if we’ve thrown out damage historical past, and we’ve already mentioned that including a former MVP would assuredly make a workforce higher, why isn’t Atlanta dealing for Jackson?

Identical as each different workforce—the contract.

The rationale the Falcons didn’t commerce for Deshaun Watson was the contract Watson was asking for. Watson needed a totally assured contract, and acquired one from Cleveland. That’s what sparked Jackson to request a totally assured contract of his personal. NFL homeowners have determined to not give out any extra absolutely assured contracts, they need to make the Watson deal a blip on the radar, and never a development, which doesn’t assist Jackson’s case. The Falcons must pay star CB AJ Terrell subsequent 12 months, and Kyle Pitts the 12 months after that, so for Atlanta it won’t appear to make sense to pay Jackson some huge cash when lots of their core gamers need to be paid sooner or later.

The counterpoint to that’s easy: in 2024 the Falcons are projected to have $82 million in cap area, and with the wage cap continuously rising (NFL.com reviews that the 2023 wage cap elevated to a document $224.8 million) there might be sufficient cash to go round. Why not commerce for an MVP candidate, kickstart a passing recreation that’s on life help and go contend for a division whereas the rivals might be beginning Derek Carr, a rookie and God is aware of what in Tampa Bay?

Atlanta felt just like the vacation spot that made essentially the most sense. Nonetheless, the Falcons are selecting to go a roundabout approach of constructing their franchise, which is a harmful recreation to play with out having an important place in sports activities locked down.