Hear that?

Yes, and no.

A deafening silence surrounds the future of one of the best young NFL quarterbacks. But out of that silence blares a message that’s loud and clear.

We’re one week into free agency, and it has been two weeks since the Baltimore Ravens used the franchise tag on Lamar Jackson to retain his rights. The use of the non-exclusive tag basically signaled that the Ravens are open for business. Yet no one is burning up the phone lines. No team is clamoring for the services of a generational talent who, although just 26, has already garnered a rare unanimous MVP selection, 10 NFL records and 13 other team records.

All Jackson has done since taking over as Baltimore’s starter halfway through his rookie season in 2018 is put the Ravens on his back and make them relevant. So, in a league starved for elite quarterback play, the lack of even a few exploratory conversations for a player of Jackson’s caliber is unfathomable.

The owners for all of the quarterback-needy teams were quick to ensure denials of interest in Jackson were leaked shortly after the news of his franchise tag designation broke.

They have spoken, and quite authoritatively. Their message is clear.