Insider stands by story that Lamar Jackson is 'ready to move on from' Ravens

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio is standing by his report regarding the status of Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson. 

Florio wrote on Tuesday that a representative "not certified by the NFL Players Association" has contacted teams to let them know, in part, that Jackson "is ready to move on from the Ravens." The NFL insider offered more information about that piece on Wednesday in the form of hypothetical conversations. 

"If someone has been calling other teams on Lamar’s behalf (and that’s 1000000 percent true, if mathematically possible), what is this person saying?" Florio explained. "Is he saying to other teams, 'Lamar is ready to move on from the Ravens?' Or if he saying, 'Hi. You don’t know me. I don’t know you. We haven’t worked together in the past. We likely won’t work together in the future. But I need a favor. Lamar really wants to stay with the Ravens. Would you consider signing him to an offer sheet that the Ravens would then match? What’s in it for you? Well, nothing. So, will you do it?'" 

Florio insisted that "the mere fact that someone is contacting other teams is evidence that Lamar is prepared to possibly leave the Ravens" and that "the calls are being made." 

The Ravens used the non-exclusive franchise tag to retain Jackson's rights for 2023, but the 26-year-old who previously hasn't used an agent became eligible to speak with other clubs when the new NFL year opened last week. Baltimore would have five days to match any deal Jackson receives from a different team or accept two first-round draft picks as compensation for the one-time NFL Most Valuable Player. 

For what it's worth, Florio was hardly the first person to suggest the Jackson-Ravens relationship may be damaged beyond repair. 

NFL insider Jason La Canfora hinted earlier this month that the situation between the sides has gotten personal because Jackson has felt disrespected by offers he's received from his current employer. 

NBC Sports' Peter King later noted that Jackson could threaten to hold out for as long as possible rather than play on the franchise tag "after visions of jillions have been dancing in his head." 

In the end, this all may mean little if the Ravens match even the highest offer for Jackson or if the signal-caller fails to come to an agreement with any club before the July 17 deadline for teams and tagged players to sign extensions. For whatever reasons, there are feelings among individuals in some football circles that Jackson may be looking for a fresh start outside of Baltimore this spring or summer.