OTL: Next Up for Contract Drama, Patrick Queen?

News picked up quickly this week, and for the first time in a while, it wasn’t entirely centered on Lamar Jackson. He was certainly tied to it, but in reality, this could prove to be good news regardless of whether Jackson stays in Charm City.

As I’m sure many of you know already, the Ravens announced that they’ve hired former Georgia Bulldog Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken.

We have hired Todd Monken to be our Offensive Coordinator. pic.twitter.com/tTtMNMRCMd

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 14, 2023

Here’s Jamison Hensley’s piece on it for ESPN:

My SportsCenter segment from last night on the Ravens hiring Todd Monken as their new offensive coordinator pic.twitter.com/YfHMjFdKOO

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) February 15, 2023

Monken, who’s spent time previously with the Buccaneers and Browns, orchestrated one of the best college offenses in recent memory. He’s an exciting addition to Baltimore’s staff, particularly when you consider the opponents his offense was excelling against. The Ravens have had success hiring out of college – most recently with DC Mike Macdonald – and many around the league feel this was a fantastic hiring:

Former Ravens QB Robert Griffin III on Todd Monken:

“Monken will help unanimous MVP Lamar take his game to another level. Scary hours.” pic.twitter.com/9d6TtCyWy5

— Ravens Nation LIVE (@LIVERavenNation) February 15, 2023

Former Ravens TE Benjamin Watson on the Ravens hiring Todd Monken:

“Y’all got a good one. Can’t wait to see Todd’s ingenuity on display with the talent on this roster. Perfect fit.” pic.twitter.com/nI7v23FdoE

— Ravens Nation LIVE (@LIVERavenNation) February 14, 2023

While it’s great hearing this from former players with plenty of experience, one former Raven that really stood up for the Monken signing was WR Dez Bryant. Bryant is often outspoken on Twitter, but man, this is quite the vote of confidence:

I’ll argue Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews make all pro… I’ll also make an argument they’ll be playing for a chance to make it to the Super Bowl next year.. Todd Monken win wherever he go https://t.co/T4pt6Nf1Jf

— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) February 14, 2023

Harbaugh may not have gone quite as far, but it’s clear he’s confident in the decision made:

Ravens HC John Harbaugh on newly hired OC Todd Monken:

“He has a proven track record for designing and teaching offensive systems that allow players to succeed at the highest level.” pic.twitter.com/9UTB9t8Lby

— Ravens Nation LIVE (@LIVERavenNation) February 15, 2023

To Harbaugh’s point, many fans are excited for the potential of Monken’s pass offense. While the Bulldogs did have a veteran (to put it nicely) quarterback, he did clearly have a great feel for scheming up a strong passing game, something Baltimore’s missed of late.

What I’m curious to see is how Monken’s addition to the staff will impact upcoming moves. Will free agents be drawn to the potential of the offense? Will Baltimore be more willing to trade for a top-flight receiver with a clear investment in the passing game?

Time will tell, but one great fit could be veteran target Mike Evans. I’ve thought a big-bodied receiver on the outside was necessary for a while, but I wasn’t familiar with Evans’ impact in the red zone:

Mike Evans is exactly what the Ravens need to finish in the red zone. His production in the last three years on the final 20 yards of the field are insane. Put Isaiah Likely in the mix along with Evans and Mark Andrews and this offense will look really good. pic.twitter.com/nOr8hpUCKb

— Pedro H. Rhormes (@rhormes_) February 15, 2023

As Pedro Rhormes notes, this sort of addition would be huge for the offense, especially considering their 2022 struggles in scoring position.

It may not be Evans himself, but any similar acquisition would be welcome by me.

Ultimately, everything will continue to hinge on Lamar Jackson, however. As the days go by, I feel Baltimore becomes less and less likely to lock him up long-term. If an agreement isn’t made, it’ll be far more difficult for the Ravens to commit to a veteran target like Evans.

Similarly, Monken may end up leading an offense that doesn’t include the former MVP. If the Ravens are only able to franchise tag Jackson, look out for the Falcons as a potential trade partner:

Rumors: Multiple league executives continue to point to the #Falcons as the most aggressive potential suitor for #Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, per @JasonLaCanfora

They went all out for Deshaun Watson last year and nearly got him. pic.twitter.com/XxaxQPYOh6

— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 15, 2023

I know many don’t trust Jason La Canfora (and this Tweet could easily be taking his words out of context), but there is substance to this when factoring in Atlanta’s push for DeShaun Watson last year.

After missing out on Watson, their eyes are more than likely set on the next best option. Barring any surprising cuts or trades, Jackson would be that guy.

Jackson isn’t the only Raven with an uncertain future, of course. Though Patrick Queen’s game took a big step when Roquan Smith came in, the former-first round pick has failed to live up to that billing at times. While it seems likely Baltimore will exercise the fifth-year option on his contract, keeping him around for 2024, he probably wants an extension. Their deadline to do so is May 1.

As players do now, he took his frustration to social media.

It appears Patrick Queen has wiped the ravens from his Instagram account…. pic.twitter.com/jWaNdCFgnZ

— Yuri (@MR___Yuri) February 15, 2023

Never a dull moment.