NFL Trade Rumors: Ravens pegged to use non-exclusive tag on Lamar Jackson

As the franchise tag window closes in a few days on March 7, it is expected that the Baltimore Ravens will use the non-exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Important to note: The non-exclusive tag is around $32M, as opposed to the $45M exclusive tag.

It also would force Jackson's camp to go do the dirty work for Baltimore (finding his market value). twitter.com/uSTADIUM/statu…

The two sides have had contract stalls since before last season began, and seem to still be far away in negotiating.

Using the non-exclusive tag would give Baltimore leverage. The non-exclusive tag would allow other teams to offer Jackson a big contract to which the Ravens can either match or decline, which would result in two first-round picks for them.

The non-exclusive tag is very rare. Since 2012, only four players have received this tag. The players to receive the non-exclusive tags were Drew Brees (2012), Von Miller (2016), Kirk Cousins (2017), and Le’Veon Bell (2017.)

Which teams would try to acquire Lamar Jackson?

The Ravens may be making a smart business move on their end. While they would love to retain Jackson, the exclusive tag allows him to get bids from other teams that will give franchise the chance to match the offer or not to.

"Call up the Bears and just see about Lamar for Justin Fields."

— @GetNickWright creates his favorite potential Lamar Jackson trades https://t.co/DiaLsJygdo

The move would allow Lamar Jackson to get paid his worth and would see how much other teams value him.

Some teams that could be interested in a trade are the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons, and the Miami Dolphins.

Jackson is only 26 and will be entering his sixth season in the NFL. He's a two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro, and won the 2019 MVP by unanimous vote.