With less than an hour to go before the franchise tag deadline, the Baltimore Ravens finally made their decision on Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson on Tuesday, ESPN reported. The non-exclusive tag allows Jackson to negotiate with other teams and gives the Ravens a chance to match any offer Jackson receives in free agency. If another team signs Jackson, Baltimore will receive two first-round picks as compensation.
This season, the non-exclusive franchise tag for a quarterback will cost approximately $32.4 million. The Ravens have until July 15 to reach a deal with Jackson before he is locked into the tag for 2023.
“Having not yet reached a long-term deal with Lamar Jackson, we will use the franchise tag,” Ravens’ general manager Eric DeCosta wrote in a statement. “There have been many instances across the league and in Baltimore where a player has been designated with the franchise tag and has 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 Jackson the way for many years to come.”
During the offseason, DeCosta remained steadfast that he wanted to sign Jackson to a long-term deal. In January, coach John Harbaugh boasted the Ravens were “200 percent” certain they’d sign Jackson to a long-term contract.
The 33rd Team’s Marty Mornhinweg, who was the Ravens’ offensive coordinator during Jackson’s rookie season, believes the sides will reach an agreement.
“I’m really surprised that a long-term contract hasn’t been agreed upon,” Mornhinweg said. “Knowing Lamar Jackson and knowing how the Baltimore Ravens operate, let’s not be surprised if this turns into a long-term contract agreement by the middle of July.”
Dave Wannstedt, a fellow analyst for The 33rd Team and former NFL coach as well, isn’t so sure.
“I wouldn’t be surprised with a new offensive coordinator coming in that the Ravens say, you know what, we’ll take those draft picks and we’re moving on down the line,” Wannstedt said.
Jackson’s insistence on receiving a fully guaranteed contract is rumored to be the main sticking point.
Deshaun Watson signed a five-year $230-million, fully guaranteed deal after being traded to the Cleveland Browns last offseason. Jackson reportedly is unwilling to accept an agreement without a similar, fully guaranteed structure.
“We’re going to see if the Cleveland Browns and Deshaun Watson were outliers,” said Mike Tannenbaum, an analyst for The 33rd Team and former NFL executive. “A team can sign Lamar Jackson to an offer sheet and only give up two first-round picks. The most interesting offseason in quarterback movement continues.”
Two first-round picks for Jackson seems like a small price considering Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos last offseason for two first-round picks, two second-rounders and three players.
“I think from the Ravens’ perspective, there was real concern about extending him on a long-term contract for $40 or $50 million a year,” said Rich Gannon, an analyst for The 33rd Team and a former NFL quarterback and MVP. “Even though he is a former MVP, the biggest concern that I have, and the Ravens have, is sustainability. Can Lamar Jackson play another five or six years with his play style?
“I think in the back of their mind the Baltimore Ravens were very concerned by the fact Jackson has missed (five) games in each of the last two seasons. I think the franchise tag was the way to go.”
Though the market for the 2019 NFL MVP is expected to be robust, a number of potentially QB-needy teams may not be interested in him at all. The Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, and Carolina Panthers are not interested in pursuing a deal with the QB, ESPN reported.
Jackson is one of many marquee quarterbacks who could switch teams this offseason. He could join a list already including Derek Carr and could end up including Aaron Rodgers.
2023 Franchise Tags
| Player | Pos | Team |
| Lamar Jackson | QB | Ravens |
| Saquon Barkley | RB | Giants |
| Evan Engram | TE | Ravens |
| Tony Pollard | RB | Cowboys |
| Josh Jacobs | RB | Raiders |
| Daron Payne | DL | Commanders |
