Lamar Jackson Hints The Steelers Could Have To Battle Another Big Name In The AFC North In 2023?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have three main rivals, all of which are in the AFC North. The feud with the Baltimore Ravens, however, is a little bit different. The teams hate each other in between the lines, but seem to have grown a strong amount of respect for one another over the years. The two franchises have won 16 AFC North Titles since 2001 and have had a countless number of wild moments over the last 20+ years. 

Fans of Pittsburgh have enjoyed the recent drama that has gone on surrounding quarterback, Lamar Jackson, but that may all come to an end very soon.

The NFL Draft begins Thursday evening and there could be a lot of movement in the trade market. There's always the off chance that Jackson gets traded because of his request in early March, but after Baltimore signed wide receiver, Odell Beckham Jr., it became more apparent that the Ravens were trying everything in their power to convince Jackson to want to stay long-term.

Things got a little more interesting on Tuesday when Jackson tweeted a cryptic gif, hinting at the fact that he is happy at whatever is going on behind the scenes right now.

It could absolutely have something to do with his contract negotiations and the organization wanting to get something done, but Steelers fans might want to be concerned about another scenario that has the Ravens landing one of, if not, the best receiver in the NFL since the beginning of the 2017 season. 

Rumors have swirled recently regarding a rebuild for the Arizona Cardinals and that could certainly mean trying to dump star pass catcher, DeAndre Hopkins' contract off of their plate. He was suspended for the first six games in 2022 and still ended up with 64 catches, 717 receiving yards and three touchdowns. 

Adam "Pacman" Jones has been quoted saying sources are telling him that Hopkins to the Ravens is very much a possibility. With the Steelers current secondary situation, Hopkins and a healthy Beckham would be a nightmare. The Steelers could have better luck at an online casino than covering both of those guys with their current cornerback room. 

It's important to note that Jones also said more recently that the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs are inquiring about Hopkins, but nonetheless, it seems as if Hopkins could be heading to the AFC. This is one of the main things for Steelers' fans to keep an eye on during the 2023 NFL Draft as far as the division goes. 

Jackson's tweet shown above seems like a manipulative smile that hints at the fact that Baltimore is telling him all the right things. Beckham Jr. even decided to join in on the Twitter fun and throw something cryptic out there as well on Wednesday afternoon. It made absolutely no sense. It seems like the translation might be: 'book 'em.'

Overall, a Hopkins trade into the AFC North would be disastrous for the other three organizations. His numbers are down the last two seasons due to injuries and a suspension, but there's no reason to expect him to take a step back. He is still an incredibly dangerous threat who can wreak havoc on defenses. The complication for Baltimore will be accommodating his near $31 million cap hit for 2023 while re-signing Jackson.

Could The Steelers Draft Plans Be Affected By A Big Ravens' Trade?

If and when a deal gets done before or during draft night, the Steelers would be extremely wise to invest in a cornerback duo in the 2023 NFL Draft. The team still needs someone in the slot and preferably on the outside as well. Jackson's tweet may mean nothing, but based on Baltimore's desire to have him back, if he wants Hopkins, the dynamic wide receiver could very well be soon on his way to being a Raven.

Would you be worried for the Steelers if the Ravens ends up acquiring Hopkins and re-signing Jackson? Let us know in the comments below!

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