Before the Baltimore Ravens can really figure out what they’re doing this offseason, they’ve got to come to a decision on outside linebacker Matthew Judon. That decision could come down to the franchise tag to help keep Judon in Baltimore for at least another year and provide a little more leverage in either getting a long-term deal done.
At the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, general manager Eric DeCosta said that the team has had productive talks about a long-term contract with Judon. That news provides a little hope that the Ravens might be able to avoid the franchise tag entirely and still keep Judon in purple and black.
DeCosta said the franchise tag remains a consideration for Judon. But said team also has had productive conversations on long-term deal with Judon.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) February 25, 2020
Baltimore can first use the franchise tag on February 27 and have a final deadline of March 12. Using the franchise tag on Judon is expected to cost the Ravens $16.27 million for 2020, according to Over The Cap.
It would be in both Baltimore and Judon’s best interest to get a long-term deal worked out without the franchise tag. For the Ravens, they could better manage their salary cap by potentially keeping Judon at a lower cap hit in 2020, which would free up space to be more active in free agency. For Judon, a long-term deal would come with guaranteed money and a signing bonus, which he could get up front.
However, the Ravens are likely going to have to make any offer a competitive one. If Judon hits the free-agent market, he could see multiple teams show interest and have his value skyrocket in a bidding war, which Baltimore would have trouble matching.
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