NFL Trade Rumors: Are Colts clearing cap space for Lamar Jackson?

Lamar Jackson has proven to be a franchise quarterback in his young NFL career and is a big-time name that could be on the move. There are a number of franchises that could the services of the 2019 NFL MVP, including the Indianapolis Colts.

NFL insider Gregg Rosenthal noted that the Colts have cleared a lot of cap space as of late. He added that the franchise making a move for the Ravens star wouldn't be that surprising given the need at the position.

"The Colts have cleared a lot of salaries between trading cornerback Stephon Gilmore and cutting QB Matt Ryan. They've already been leapfrogged in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Panthers, who traded with the Bears for the No. 1 overall selection.

"And with Houston picking second, Arizona drafting third and Indianapolis going fourth, the Colts could have the third choice, at best, of rookie quarterbacks in April. If there is a team to surprisingly jump into the mix for Lamar Jackson, Indy makes the most sense."

The Colts traded cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys, creating $9.9 million against the salary cap. They also cut veteran quarterback Matt Ryan, which gives them $17.2 million in cap space. Trying to acquire someone like Lamar Jackson could only bolster the Colts' offense.

Last season, Indianapolis finished bottom of the NFL in interceptions thrown with 20 as Ryan finished with the sixth-most at 13. Jackson threw a total of seven in 12 starts for the Baltimore Ravens in the 2022 season.

Colts owner Jim Irsay needs stability under center as the last quarterback to start a season for them two consecutive times was Andrew Luck (2015 - 2016).

Clearing all of the cap space does indeed put the Colts in the mix for Jackson, but the question will come down to money. Yet, there were reports that the two-time Pro Bowler turned down a massive deal with the Ravens.

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Lamar Jackson blasted Schefter on a rumored contract offer

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted that the former Louisville Cardinals star reportedly rejected a deal worth $200 million guaranteed. On his own podcast, Schefter went into detail regarding the rumored contract.

“Chris Mortensen and I reported on this last September, when Lamar Jackson was offered a deal that he turned down. A deal that included at the time he was offered $133 million due at signing. $133 million guaranteed.

"The contract also had injury guarantees that brought the guarantees to $175 million and it then had a springing guarantee that could’ve brought the value for the contract, the guaranteed money of the contract to $200 million in guarantees."

The former first-round pick responded in a series of tweets regarding the ESPN NFL insider's comments:

Nonetheless, the amount that Jackson is seeking remains unknown as Baltimore placed a non-exclusive tag, meaning he can talk to teams about a potential deal. Time will tell if the Colts are serious contenders for the Ravens superstar.