Lamar Jackson, Anthony Richardson and the Commanders QB situation

Should the Washington Commanders go bold with their quarterback moves by targeting Lamar Jackson or Anthony Richardson in 2023?

It seems likely at this point that neither Lamar Jackson nor Anthony Richardson will be on the Washington Commanders roster in 2023. No matter how much either might help.

Jackson, on whom the Baltimore Ravens recently placed a non-exclusive franchise tag, could get a deal from another team and leave. But the Commanders have said they will not be pursuing him.

Normally, I place zero stock in what a team says regarding its roster plans. Under the scrupulously honest Ron Rivera, this franchise no longer spreads disinformation as a matter of course.

With Richardson, the uber-talented former Florida quarterback, it’s a different story.

A few months ago, you could find draft projections that had him available on Day 2, but anyone with eyes could see that he was destined to fly up boards once the postseason testing began. And if anything, he has exceeded expectations.

After his historic performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, Richardson is far out of reach for the Commanders at No. 16. Any team wanting to select him will have to be sitting in the top 10 – and more likely, in the top five by draft day.

Acquiring either player would require an enormous investment of draft – or promising young player – capital. Additionally, Jackson would require a a substantial commitment. The green kind.

So, should the Washington Commanders pursue either of these two quarterbacks?