Ravens put nonexclusive franchise tag on Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens announced Tuesday that they were designating Lamar Jackson as their franchise player, preventing him from becoming an unrestricted free agent this month after the expiration of his rookie contract.
The Ravens were always expected to use the tag if they didn't reach a long-term deal with Jackson first. The team and its star quarterback can continue negotiating now, although the nonexclusive tag means he can negotiate with other teams, too.
“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,” general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. “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.”
The Ravens would have a chance to match any agreement between Jackson and another team, and if they chose not to match, they'd receive two first-round draft picks. If Jackson plays this year on the franchise tag, he'd make $32.4 million.
Baltimore could have prevented Jackson from negotiating with anyone else by using the exclusive-rights franchise tag, but that could have cost significantly more.
Jackson was the 2019 NFL MVP, and his dynamic passing and running make him one of the game's most unusual stars. At age 25, he already is one of six quarterbacks in NFL history with 10,000 yards passing and 4,000 rushing. His 12 games with at least 100 yards rushing are an NFL record.
Jackson has been hurt at the end of the past two seasons, but his impact on their offense is massive.
JETS OWNER, COACHES MEET WITH RODGERS >>
The Jets are putting on the full-court press for Aaron Rodgers.
Jets owner Woody Johnson, general manager Joe Douglas, head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett flew out to meet with Rodgers in California, according to sources.
The Jets have reportedly already had direct conversations with the superstar quarterback this week, which would mean the Packers have given the Jets permission to speak with him since he remains under contract with Green Bay.
Rodgers, 39, has been contemplating his NFL future since the end of a disappointing 18th season in Green Bay. He could retire, return to the Packers or ask to be traded.
GIANTS REACH $160M DEAL WITH JONES, TAG BARKLEY >>
After days of hard-fought, down-to-the wire negotiating the New York Giants reached a new four-year, $160 million contract with quarterback Daniel Jones and put a franchise tag on running back Saquon Barkley.
With Jones under contract, the Giants used their franchise tag on running back Saquon Barkley, the team announced.
Barkley's tag is nonexclusive, which means he's able to negotiate a contract with other teams in addition to the Giants. New York would have the right to match any team's offer or receive two first-round draft picks if they decided not to match.
Jones, the No. 6 pick overall in the 2019 draft, Jones had his breakout season in leading New York to a 9-7-1 record and its first playoff berth since 2016. Working with new head coach Brian Daboll's offense, Jones responded by throwing for 3,205 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also set franchise records for a quarterback with 708 yards and seven TDs.
Barkley had his best and healthiest season since 2018, rushing for 1,312 yards and 10 TDs. He also caught 57 passes for 338 yards.
Men's college basketball UCLA'S JAQUEZ JR., CRONIN GET PAC12 HONORS >>
Jaime Jaquez Jr.'s decision to return for his senior season worked out quite well for No. 2 UCLA.
Jaquez was named The Associated Press player of the year in the Pac-12 and Bruins coach Mick Cronin is the conference coach of the year. Washington forward Keion Brooks was named Pac-12 newcomer of the year by an eight-person panel of journalists who cover the conference.
Jaquez considered leaving Westwood for the NBA after three productive seasons that included a trip the Final Four and the Sweet 16 in consecutive years. The crafty 6-foot-7 swing man had another boxscorestuffing season in his return, averaging 17.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while helping lead the Bruins to their first Pac-12 regular-season title in a decade.
Cronin has returned UCLA to prominence in four seasons since leaving Cincinnati. UCLA went 27-4 overall during the regular season and 18-2 in Pac-12 play.
The Bruins are the No. 1 seed in the Pac-12 Tournament this week in Las Vegas.
Neither Stanford nor Cal had a representative on the first team, but Cardinal senior forward Spencer Jones was on the second team.
Motorsports ELLIOTT OUT 6 WEEKS WITH BROKEN LEG >>
With Chase Elliott expected to miss about six weeks with a broken left leg, Hendrick Motorsports will turn to Josh Berry and sports car racer Jordan Taylor to fill in for NASCAR's most popular driver.
Hendrick provided a timetable for Elliott's recovery while saying Berry will continue to drive the No. 9 Chevrolet on ovals and Taylor will make his Cup Series debut on the road course at Circuit of the America's in Texas later this month.
Elliott fractured his tibia snowboarding in Colorado last week and was released from the hospital the following day after a three-hour surgery.