“It’s going to get ugly” – Shannon Sharpe sends Ravens Lamar Jackson warning
With the two sides unable to come to some sort of agreement, Lamar Jackson may see the Baltimore Ravens use the franchise tag on him. This effectively serves as a one-year buffer deal at market value to prevent a player from leaving in free agency.
The only problem is that Jackson wants a long-term, mostly guaranteed contract. That isn't what the franchise tag provides and it's not going to please him if they place it on him.
NFL analyst Shannon Sharpe believes the entire negotiation could get ugly if the Ravens try to franchise tag their star quarterback.
.@ShannonSharpe on what's next for the Ravens and Lamar Jackson:
"More than likely the Ravens are going to franchise tag him and Lamar is not going to be happy. It's going to get ugly if he has to play on the tag." https://t.co/ekE9VoRFa8
Here's what Sharpe said on "Undisputed:"
"More than likely the Ravens are going to franchise tag him and Lamar is not going to be happy. It's going to get ugly if he has to play on the tag."
Jackson has carried the Ravens offense for four years, winning an MVP award in the process. Now, he's not interested in risking his body without guaranteed money coming his way. He knows his value, but the Ravens are hesitant to give him what he wants.
The Ravens may realize that if they don't pay up, he'll leave in free agency to get what he deserves. That may be why they have to consider using the franchise tag.
The Ravens have been a contender for several years, but if Lamar Jackson is removed from that situation, their offense will be in dire straits.
Jackson probably knows this, which is why he's holding out for more money. Will the Ravens pay him, or will this situation end less than amicably, with the star quarterback playing elsewhere?
Will Lamar Jackson be somewhere else next season?
While the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson negotiated last offseason, it seemed as if a deal would eventually get done. The idea that the Ravens would let him walk seemed far-fetched. Now, it seems very possible.
If he does walk away, there's a good chance he could go to the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets or Las Vegas Raiders. In fact, he could go to any of the many other teams in need of a quarterback.
He would be the best free agent in this class by far and easily the most important player. Everyone would be interested in signing him.