The Indianapolis Colts are the team that has been most closely associated with acquiring Lamar Jackson. On paper, the fit makes sense. Indianapolis does not have a rostered quarterback considered a long-term NFL starter. The team has run a rush-heavy offense in recent seasons behind Jonathan Taylor. New head coach Shane Steichen is an offensive specialist with quarterback-specific experience. All the pieces are there for Jackson to thrive in Indianapolis.
However, acquiring Lamar Jackson is not simple. A trade would likely come at a steep price, despite Jackson's impasse with the Ravens. Giving him an offer sheet reveals a team's hand to the Ravens about what people are willing to pay for Jackson. Finally, the Ravens just picked up a high-caliber wide receiver in Odell Beckham Jr. While the fit for Jackson and the Colts may be strong, it's another question about getting him there.
"We're Focused On The Draft"
In a media session Wednesday, Colts management avoided questions about Jackson. "We're focused on the draft and I'm focused on the guys that are in the building right now. That's where we're at," Steichen told reporters. The Colts began their offseason program this week and while it is early days, it does start a timer on just how long they could hold out for Jackson. Sooner or later, they will have to make a call about who is their 2023 starting quarterback.
Another factor to consider, and one alluded to by Steichen, is the draft. If the Colts signed Jackson via an unmatched offer sheet, they would have to give the Ravens two first-round picks. Colts owner Jim Irsay was opposed to giving up that much capital. "Our belief, and my belief, has always been you build through the draft, the draft is your pipeline for success or failure," Irsay said. The Colts currently hold the fourth overall pick in the upcoming draft. Most mock drafts project them selecting the best quarterback available at that spot. That would likely see Kentucky's Will Levis or Florida's Anthony Richardson head to Lucas Oil stadium. However, the Colts-Jackson rumors will not abate until the Colts finally announced their QB1.
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