On Tuesday, the Baltimore Ravens made it official that they have placed the franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson. This move takes the top potential free agent off the market and keeps him with the Ravens for at least another year.
Jackson, who does not have an agent and is representing himself, has been unable to reach a long-term deal with Baltimore since he became eligible for a contract extension over two years ago. According to sources, Jackson wants a deal similar to what Deshaun Watson received from the Browns. However, the Ravens are against doing so because they consider the Watson deal an outlier.
The Ravens used the nonexclusive tag on Jackson, which means that he can engage in contract talks with other teams. In the event that Jackson signs an offer sheet with another team, Baltimore can either match the offer and retain him or accept two first-round picks as compensation. The nonexclusive tag will pay Jackson $32 million this season, which is less expensive than the exclusive tag that was projected at $45 million. The exclusive tag would have allowed the Ravens to control Jackson’s rights this year.
It is unclear which teams might be interested in talking with Jackson, but sources have told ESPN’s Dianna Russini that the Atlanta Falcons won’t be pursuing him. However, it is also possible that Jackson could remain with the Ravens.
In a statement, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said, “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 Jackson leading the way for many years to come.”
Jackson, who is just 26 years old, is only the third quarterback in NFL history to win the MVP award and then receive the franchise tag. The other two quarterbacks were Steve Young in 1993 and Peyton Manning in 2004 and 2011. Young and Manning both reached long-term deals and did not play the full season under the tag.
The Ravens and Jackson have until July 17 to work out a long-term deal. If an agreement is not reached by that NFL-mandated deadline, a new deal cannot be signed until after the season. Baltimore has a track record coming to agreements with players they’ve franchise tagged going 5 for 7.
Jackson’s next move under the tag is unclear; he may opt to report just before the regular season begins, or he might decide not to play under the tag altogether. If Jackson does not sign the franchise tag tender, which would guarantee his salary for this season, he is technically not under contract and cannot be fined for missing mandatory minicamp in June or training camp in the summer. Jackson could return before the season opener in September and earn his entire salary.
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