Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard confirmed Monday that the club will consider making a move for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
"Anytime a special player is available, which he is, you've got to do the work," Ballard said, according to ESPN's Stephen Holder. "I'm not gonna get into deep discussions on where it's at or what we're doing or what we might do. But what I'll tell you is he's a really good player, really special player. But you never know how any of this will work out."
Jackson said Monday that he requested a trade on March 2.
The Ravens placed the nonexclusive franchise tag on Jackson on March 7. Baltimore can trade the former NFL MVP to another club if he signs the tender.
The quarterback position is Indianapolis' biggest issue this year. The Colts recently added Gardner Minshew, but the veteran is expected to compete for the backup role with the likes of Sam Ehlinger and Nick Foles.
"If you don't feel like you have one that can absolutely change the franchise in terms of leading you every year, I think you're always going to feel some pressure to get that player right," Ballard added.
Another option for Indy is to go with a quarterback in next month's NFL draft. The Colts own the No. 4 pick.
Ballard said Indianapolis considered trading up to No. 1 but suggested he wasn't sold on who the team would be moving up for. The Carolina Panthers ultimately acquired the top selection from the Chicago Bears.
"I didn't want to make a blind decision without all the information," Ballard said of a potential trade. "I know people might not understand that, but I think just history kind of tells you that when you do that, you better know what you're getting."
The Colts have started four different Week 1 quarterbacks in as many seasons since Andrew Luck retired in August 2019, including Carson Wentz in 2021 and Matt Ryan in 2022.
Ryan was acquired via trade during the 2022 offseason to replace Wentz but didn't live up to the hype as the club missed the playoffs for the second straight year. Indy cut Ryan on March 14.
The Colts finished last season 4-12-1, down from 9-8 in 2021.
