PurplePTSD: The Vikings Should Keep An Eye On A Conflict That Is Brewing In Baltimore

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

Josh Frey

2022-03-13

It’s very clear that the Minnesota Vikings are one of the teams that have dove into the deep end of QB pool. Their reported interest in Deshaun Watson is evidence of this. The QB position is even more of a concern considering it does not appear that Kirk Cousins and Minnesota have gotten anywhere near a contract extension or restructure that would ease the QB’s current $45 million cap hit. A trade feels more likely than an extension at this point, but there’s also the possibility that the Vikings just let Cousins play out the final year before moving on. No matter what happens, the Vikings should be playing for the long game here. This makes a situation that is unfolding in Baltimore regarding their QB Lamar Jackson just as intriguing as any other news.

The Ravens and Lamar Jackson Have Hit a Crossroads

Things in Baltimore have become tense between Jackson and the Ravens regarding a contract extension. With all the news surrounding other QBs, this situation has been swept under the rug. It seems that things have gotten extremely tense, though. As of Friday, reports suggest that the two sides are not even communicating about a new deal. Because of this, a lack of a set-in-stone quarterback for the future could actually play into the Vikings’ advantage here.

It is completely understandable that Jackson would want to maximize his worth in an ever-growing quarterback market. There is no doubt that he is one of the most talented QBs in the entire league. Baltimore has had a 37-12 record with him under center, and he won MVP in his first full season as the starter. A few playoff hiccups have happened along the way, but that is expected from young quarterbacks. Remember: Jackson turned 25 two months ago. He has plenty of development yet to go.

We’ve seen QB disputes like this settle before. For example, Aaron Rodgers is a Green Bay Packer in 2022. In the same breath though, we also saw Russell Wilson get traded. Regarding Jackson, a trade seems off the table as of now. Jackson does not seem to be rushing things, though. In fact, he seems to be taking a page out of the Kirk Cousins book of negotiations, biding time in order to maximize his earnings even if that means playing on a franchise tag. Ultimately, the Vikings were the ones that gave Cousins his big pay day, so could they do it again with Jackson?

What Would Jackson Cost?

In terms of his next contract, whoever were to bring in Lamar Jackson is likely going to have to pay top dollar. Going into 2022, he is the 13th highest paid quarterback and will be looking for a pay day. Josh Allen’s 6-year/$258 million contract should probably be viewed as the template. Undoubtedly a steep price, but one that the Vikings should have room to pull off. This is obviously prior to the draft and 2022 free agency, but per Over The Cap, the Vikings have about $81.3 million in space assuming the base cap is $225 million.

There could be a multitude of ways to save money in 2023, though. For example, cutting or trading Garrett Bradbury before the June 1st, 2023, deadline would save them over $13.2 million. A move involving Harrison Smith could bring an additional $12 million in savings while a Dalvin Cook trade would save nearly $8 million. You’re over $33 million of the way there with just those three moves, and we haven’t even touched Michael Pierce’s or Adam Thielen’s contracts yet.

If things get any worse in Baltimore over the course of the offseason and even into the 2022 season, perhaps we could see a hold out, leading to a trade request. If that is the case, the Vikings are undoubtedly looking a package that would include multiple first-round picks. A Deshaun Watson price tag seems to be three firsts, and again, that would likely be the price set by Baltimore. They won’t want to get rid of a former MVP just entering his prime for nothing.

Final Thoughts

If Lamar Jackson were to enter the QB market at some point this spring or summer, the Vikings should absolutely go after him. He is as dynamic a quarterback as you can get in the NFL, and new head coach Kevin O’Connell along with OC Wes Phillips could create an incredible offense with an offense including Jackson and Justin Jefferson.

Additionally, a chance to play with a strong receiver group that features Jefferson and Adam Thielen should be intriguing to Jackson. One of the biggest problems in Baltimore throughout his young career has been a lack of a true WR1. In Minnesota, he would have two of those types and a couple budding stars in KJ Osborn and Irv Smith. Keep an eye on Baltimore these next couple months because these situations can reach a boiling point very quickly.

This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.