The Atlanta Falcons weren’t the only team to pass on Lamar Jackson this past offseason and owner Arthur Blank says he doesn’t regret it.
Speaking to reporters following the dismissal of head coach Arthur Smith, Blank said he doesn’t think not pursuing Jackson was “a mistake.”
It’s easy to say ‘yes’ given his year and obviously he’s an incredible player. We did not have the cap space… I think the coaching staff always felt collectively we had an answer in [Desmond] Ridder without that kind of contract. We want to be able to raise our own children and keep our own children as best we can. … It’s not a criticism of Lamar… Who knows if they would’ve matched any of the offers available. I don’t know that but he’s certainly a great player.
#Falcons owner Arthur Blank said they don’t regret not trying to pursue Lamar Jackson. The HC and GM felt they had an answer in Desmond Ridder.
Blank says he has no idea if the Ravens would’ve matched had they tried…
Here’s his full answer: pic.twitter.com/sRelk0GKp6
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 8, 2024
Fans reacted to Blank’s comments on Monday.
“Thinking Desmond ridder is even half the player Lamar is should’ve got them fired on the spot,” a user said.
Thinking Desmond ridder is even half the player Lamar is should’ve got them fired on the spot
— leppy (@_1eppy) January 8, 2024
“Cap space!?!?!” another asked. “Who you paying Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, Drake London and AJ Terrell all on rookie contracts.”
Cap space!?!?! Who you paying Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, Drake London and AJ Terrell all on rookie contracts https://t.co/AZtAL43Tj7 pic.twitter.com/8LCnAA05cO
— Jory (@JoryJohnson28) January 8, 2024
“Ridder was a 3rd round pick in a TERRIBLE QB class…he was never the answer,” a fan tweeted.
Ridder was a 3rd round pick in a TERRIBLE QB class…he was never the answer. https://t.co/Vr76AdIY5N
— Connor. (@C0NB0NNN) January 8, 2024
“The whole ‘Lamar was never available’ thing the dumbest cope s–t ever,” another person replied. “Teams didn’t think Lamar would ever get back to MVP level, so they didn’t make an offer. If it was Mahomes instead of Lamar, every team would make an off regardless of if KC would match or not.”
The whole “Lamar was never available” thing the dumbest cope shit ever. Teams didn’t think Lamar would ever get back to MVP level, so they didn’t make an offer. If it was Mahomes instead of Lamar, every team would make an off regardless of if KC would match or not https://t.co/sEaCeCmUVL
— . (@ArtHOP2) January 8, 2024
Is this passing the sniff test for you?