Is the Lamar Jackson era coming to an end? Ex-NFL player believes Raven have soured relation with former MVP
With the franchise tag window closing in nearly two hours, all signs point to the Baltimore Ravens using the franchise or non-exclusive tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The two sides are still out of contract talks, and Baltimore won’t let him enter free agency. The plan is for the team to tag him and agree on a long-term deal, but they may not be willing to pay Jackson what he’s looking for.
Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, former cornerback Adam Jones thinks the Ravens won’t pay Jackson, although he thinks they should.
Jones said:
“How can we pay Derek Carr and guarantee him $150 million and not pay the man? If Derek Carr can get $100 million, Lamar deserves two.”
“The question is not is Lamar Jackson still Lamar Jackson. Cause Lamar Jackson is still Lamar Jackson, win, lose,. When Lamar Jackson playing, they the top in running, they’re the top in passing. When he’s not playing, they the worst in running when he’s not playing, they the worst in passing.”
He added:
"So is he that dude? Hell yeah he’s that dude, I don’t understand how he’s had to go through this time after time. This is the first time that he sat on his nuts and said alright, um I don’t feel right. I think this was a business move and I don’t think the Ravens pay him.”
Where will Lamar Jackson land if he’s traded?
It’s hard to imagine the Ravens trading Jackson, but it isn’t at the same time.
The two seem to be far off in guaranteed money and it may force his way out of Baltimore.
If he receives the non-exclusive tag, many teams could have offers for him.
The New York Jets could make an offer if they don’t land Aaron Rodgers. They need a new franchise quarterback and seem aggressive in finding their next guy.
The Atlanta Falcons were aggressive in pursuing Deshaun Watson and were the favorites to land him before Cleveland acquired him.
The Las Vegas Raiders also need to find a replacement for Derek Carr.
Jackson will have a bunch of interest around the league and could get paid for what he's looking for with a different team.