Ravens use non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson
The Ravens have used the franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson, the team announced Tuesday before the league’s 4 p.m. deadline.
Baltimore placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on the former NFL MVP, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The designation means Jackson, 26, can negotiate and sign an offer sheet with any other NFL team.
The Ravens still have the option to match an opposing offer sheet or receive two first-round picks if they decline.
The non-exclusive tag comes with a 2023 salary of $32.5 million, which is about $13 million less than the exclusive tag would have cost.
If Jackson is unable to secure a deal with another team, he would remain with the Ravens for another year upon signing the tag.
“Having not yet reached a longterm deal with Lamar Jackson, we will use the franchise tag,” 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 longterm 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.”
Though it is unclear which teams may be interested in Jackson’s services, the Falcons will not be pursuing the quarterback, according to ESPN’s Dianna Russini.
DeCosta mentioned that the Ravens have a history of tagging players and negotiating a deal at a later date — which is something they’ve done with five of their previous seven franchise-tagged players.
Jackson is the first quarterback to get the franchise tag from the Ravens.
The Ravens and Jackson — who does not have an agent and is representing himself — have until July 17 to negotiate and get a long-term deal done before Jackson would have to be on the tag for 2023. If they can’t reach an agreement by that NFLmandated deadline, a new deal can’t be signed until after the 2023 season.