Breaking: Baltimore Ravens place non-exclusive franchise tag on star QB Lamar Jackson
The Lamar Jackson and Baltimore Ravens contract standoff has ended... somewhat. By the deadline for which teams can franchise tag players who are coming out of contract, the Ravens couldn't get a long-term deal done. So, they have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson.
This means that the quarterback will be paid $32.41 million, as per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Also, while Jackson is contracted to Baltimore, other teams are allowed to negotiate with him, and if a suitable offer is made, then the Ravens will have the option to match it.
If they chose not to, they will then receive two first-round picks for him.
Ravens sent notice to the NFLPA that they placed the $32.41 million non-exclusive franchise tag on QB Lamar Jackson. He now is allowed to negotiate with other teams, but Ravens have right to match any offer sheet he signs or take two first-round picks in return for him. twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/HNdg6231tC
It is worth mentioning that last offseason, Russell Wilson fetched two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and three players. So some may feel that getting just two first-round picks for Lamar is not enough. But at this point in time, the Ravens most probably think that is fine.
For many, it is quite a sad outcome as a long-term deal could have been done two years ago, yet the Ravens failed to come to terms with Jackson. Now, even with the tag, his future in Baltimore is likely coming to an end due to the franchise's lack of trust in their quarterback's long term prospects.
Will Lamar Jackson play under non-exclusive franchise tag?
Given that Lamar Jackson wants a long-term deal, there have been whispers that due to the tag only being one season, he could possibly sit out the 2023 season.
Now, that doesn't seem to be in Jackson's nature. But considering the fact that Baltimore have dragged their feet over a potential deal, maybe the relationship has soured a touch.
We saw what the Ravens were without Jackson last year and that has left many wondering why the team isn't doing more to come to an agreement on a long-term contract.
In what almost feels like a 'prove it' deal for Jackson, who has done everything in the game except win a Super Bowl, the Ravens don't seem willing to give him a long-term deal.
That could be due to his playing style as running quarterbacks generally have a shorter shelf life, due to the constant physical hits to the body.
Either way, what many thought would happen, has happened, and Lamar Jackson will be a Raven for one more year. But beyond that, it is looking doubtful.