"Let’s get real" - Lamar Jackson opens up on being called injury-prone QB after missing 2022 NFL playoffs

As he embarks on what could be a new chapter in his career, Lamar Jackson has had some choice words for his critics.

Last season, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback made a huge gamble by declining a contract extension, believing he could rebound from a calamitous 2021 campaign where he set career-highs in interceptions (13), sacks allowed (38) and yards lost from sacks (190).

However, while he rebounded statistically, he got injured yet again and missed the final five games of the season. He also missed the Wild Card game against the Cincinnati Bengals, which the Ravens lost after James Proche failed to catch a Hail Mary pass from backup Tyler Huntley as time expired.

Many, from fans to talk show and podcast hosts, are calling Jackson injury-prone, and that has served to color coaches and executives' perception of him. Just recently, he requested to be traded, but so far no team has been willing to pick him up. That apparently does not bother him, though.

On Tuesday (Mar. 28) night, he made sure to remind his critics of his thoughts on playing injured:

"I don’t remember me sitting out on my guys week 1 vs jets To week 12 vs Broncos. How come all of a sudden I sit out because of money in which I could’ve got hurt at anytime within that time frame when we know the Super Bowl been on my mind since April 2018."

He continued:

"Let’s get real. I rather have a 100% PCL than go out there and play horrible forcing myself to put my guys in a bad situation now that’s selfish to me."

He also promised his critics that he would be back in a big way in 2023:

"I can't wait to see you all 😉"

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Where could Lamar Jackson end up in 2023?

Jackson's recent injury history is not the only reason teams are balking at him. One primary reason he requested a trade was his desire to secure a lucrative long-term contract.

Twenty days before the trade request, the Ravens had put a non-exclusive franchise tag worth $32.4 million on him. That allowed him to begin talking to other teams on Mar. 13, and accept a deal two days later. However, the Ravens also had the right to either retain him by matching the deal or receive his new team's two first-round picks as compensation.

With that out the window now, here are some prime spots for the dual-threat quarterback, according to Sports Illustrated:

The Indianapolis Colts have the fourth overall pick but could trade it for the 2019 NFL MVP to give Jonathan Taylor a running mate and build around him. The Atlanta Falcons have two quarterbacks in Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke, but Jackson would be a huge upgrade over them and a better fit due to the offensive scheme.

Another team to watch out for will be the New England Patriots. Rapper Meek Mill recently texted Robert Kraft saying Jackson wanted to play in Foxborough. If he does, it would be a massive upgrade over Mac Jones. Bill Belichick is known to pull off some great moves around the NFL draft and this would be a wonderful addition.