After nearly a year of apparent passive-aggressive contract negotiations, the Ravens and Lamar Jackson should soon reach a resolution. And it might be an unconventional one that we’re not accustomed to with a former unanimous MVP.
According to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Ravens have apparently “strongly considered” using a non-exclusive franchise tag on the superstar quarterback. (Note: With a few players already off the board, the deadline to franchise tag NFL players is this Tuesday, Mar. 7.)
This non-exclusive tag possibility in Baltimore is significant for several reasons. Mainly, it opens the door to the 26-year-old Jackson realistically leaving the Ravens.
Why?
A non-exclusive distinction lets other teams send in contract offers for Jackson that the Ravens then have the option to match or decline. In the event Baltimore matches, it’s effectively letting other squads set the market and financial terms for their signal-caller. This would be a direct signal they appreciated how someone else valued Jackson. Should the Ravens decline to match an offer, it would garner two-first round picks for Jackson’s services from the team that sent the deal in.
A win-win for the organization.
At the same time, Jackson getting the non-exclusive tag would mean he gets $32 million instead of a projected $45 million — making his relationship with the Ravens seem more untenable in the long run.
In this reality, it might be in Jackson’s best interest to leave for a healthier team situation. It’s not a far cry to imagine likely trade suitors like the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions putting themselves in this potential contract-match hunt. Playing with supporting casts featuring Kyle Pitts and Drake London or the Detroit offensive line would be enticing for any talisman.
Whatever happens, it’s abundantly clear the next few days could be pretty wild between the Ravens and one of the more gifted QBs we’ve ever seen.