It's official: Lamar Jackson is ready to leave the Ravens. Weeks after Baltimore used the non-exclusive franchise tag on the star quarterback, allowing the former MVP to negotiate with other teams in free agency, Jackson revealed Monday that he requested a trade from the Ravens in early March.

Both sides had long maintained publicly that they preferred a long-term partnership despite a failure to actually finalize a new contract. Ravens coach John Harbaugh even suggested Monday he's still confident Jackson will be under center in 2023. And technically Baltimore still controls Jackson's rights through this season; it can match any outside offer the QB might get under the tag, or collect two first-round draft picks to let Jackson join a new club.

But now that the Pro Bowler has gone public with a desire to play elsewhere, it's potentially only a matter of time until the Ravens entertain trade inquiries. It's possible, if not probable, Baltimore could net more than two first-rounders — the compensation for letting him walk via free agency — by selling him via a traditional trade.

NFL

Lamar Jackson says he requested a trade from the Ravens on March 2

With that said, which teams are most likely to pursue Jackson? Here's our take:

 

11. New York Jets

If only they hadn't already (unofficially) married themselves to Aaron Rodgers. Technically, yes, they could bow out of the Rodgers sweepstakes, and they might be smarter for it, betting on a former MVP at age 26 rather than one going on 40. General manager Joe Douglas even has an extensive history with the Ravens to fuel potential trade talks for Jackson. But with a playoff-ready roster and Rodgers already publicly invested in a move to New York, they're all but out of the running.

 

10. Carolina Panthers

Before moving up for the No. 1 pick in the draft, they courted Derek Carr, suggesting they're at least a little bit willing to consider the veteran route. Teaming Jackson up with known QB whisperer Frank Reich — and an underrated supporting cast on both sides of the ball — would be a solid gamble in a winnable division. But they're surely sold on going the rookie route at No. 1, where they'll have their choice of the top prospects.