Lamar Jackson franchise tagged: Explaining Ravens QB's non-exclusive tag in 2023
The Baltimore Ravens officially placed the franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson. After failing to reach a long-term deal before Tuesday's deadline, the team placed a non-exclusive tag on Jackson.
The two sides began talks on a contract extension last season but failed to reach a deal before the season began.
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
Jackson reportedly turned down a deal worth $200 million from the Ravens.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter:
"The fact of the matter is, Lamar Jackson has a decision to make here in the next 24 to 36 hours. And that's whether or not he wants to take an offer in excess of what is thought to be $200 million. This is an offer that would change his future. "
Schefter continued:
"Whatever it is that Jackson decides so that he doesn't have to go out and practice and then come in and do the contract. Right now, Jackson wants to be Lamar Jackson, the quarterback, not Lamar Jackson, the agent."
Through five seasons, Jackson has earned $27.5 million in his career. He is set to earn $32.4 million this season on the exclusive tag.
Explaining the non-exclusive franchise tag
Each team has one franchise tag to use on a pending free agent of their choice on their team. The tag keeps them under contract for the following season and allows the team and player to sign a long-term deal.
There are two kinds of franchise tags, the exclusive and the non-exclusive tag.
The exclusive tag doesn't allow the player to negotiate with other teams. They're locked into the team that tagged them, unless they decide to trade the player afterwards.
The non-exclusive tags allow players to negotiate with other teams. If a deal is agreed upon between the player tagged and a different team, the team that originally tagged the player has the opportunity to match the offer.
If they don't match the offer, they will receive two first-round picks from the team that has made the offer.
Jackson received the non-exclusive tag and if traded, the Ravens will get two first-round picks in exchange for him.
Will Lamar Jackson leave after the 2023 season?
It seems likely that Lamar Jackson could possibly be traded since he received the non-exclusive tag.
It is unclear whether or not Jackson will refuse to play on the tag. If he does remain with the Ravens this season, he will be a free agent next season if they don't tag him two seasons in a row.
Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta released statement after franchise tagging Lamar Jackson
Upon tagging Jackson, Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta released the following statement:
"Having not yet reached a long-term deal with Lamar Jackson, we will use the franchise tag. There have been many instances across the league and in Baltimore when a player has been designated with the franchise tag and signed a long-term deal that same year.
"We will continue to negotiate in good faith with Lamar, and we are hopeful that we can strike a long-term deal that is fair to both Lamar and the Ravens. Our ultimate goal is to build a championship team with Lamar leading the way for many years to come."
Statement from GM Eric DeCosta: https://t.co/LOnW8XpPL5
It seems as if the team will try to hammer out a deal with Jackson, but the two don't seem to have made any progress this off-season.
Falcons, Panthers, Commanders, and Raiders unlikely to pursue Lamar Jackson
You can cross off Lamar Jackson going to the Atlanta Falcons.
While there were rumors yesterday and today that the Falcons had a high level of interest in Jackson, those have been debunked by multiple reports today.
Other teams that seem to be out of the running for Jackson are the Raiders, Panthers, and Commanders.
Update: The #Panthers are not expected to pursue #Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, sources told @josephperson
The #Raiders are also unlikely, according to @VinnyBonsignore
We already know the #Falcons aren't on him either, per @diannaESPN https://t.co/EqpLZKi5Bv
If Baltimore is unable to trade Jackson, then he will play this season on the $32 million exclusive tag. If he has another great season with Baltimore in 2023, maybe they will lock him in the long-term on a more lucrative contract.