Ravens Place Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag on Lamar Jackson, Opening Up Possibility of Him Leaving Baltimore

On Tuesday, March 7th 2023, the Baltimore Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson.[0] This decision gives Jackson the chance to negotiate with other teams, and if he signs an offer sheet, the Ravens will have the right to match or receive two first-round picks in exchange. This move has generated a lot of speculation and discussion, as it opens up the possibility of Jackson leaving the Ravens.

The non-exclusive tag prevents Jackson from testing the open market, while the exclusive tag would have done the opposite.[1] The Ravens' decision to go non-exclusive allows other teams to negotiate with Jackson starting March 13 when legal tampering begins.[2] If Jackson agrees to an outside offer, Baltimore will then have the opportunity to match it or allow the quarterback to sign elsewhere and receive two first-round draft picks in return.

Jackson is reportedly seeking a fully guaranteed contract comparable to Deshaun Watson's five-year, $230 million deal last year.[3] This deal is seen as a record for the highest guarantees given to an NFL player.[4] There are two types of franchise tags, the exclusive and nonexclusive tag.[5] The exclusive tag keeps Jackson from negotiating with anyone else, but it costs significantly more.[5]

The Ravens have been in negotiations with Jackson for over a year, but have yet to reach a long-term deal.[4] According to ESPN's Dianna Russini, the Atlanta Falcons have made it evident that they will not be pursuing Jackson after the announcement of his tag came to light.[6] This has caused many to speculate which teams will be willing to offer Jackson a more lucrative deal.[7]

The Ravens are betting that Jackson will test free agency and find out the market isn't as green as he thought.[8] It is possible that the Ravens are prepared to equal any agreement he receives.[8] They need to be aware of the quarterback market.[8] The Ravens have until the summer to hammer something out.[9]

The Giants were able to reach a long-term deal with Daniel Jones, allowing them to place the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley for the 2023 season.[10] The Dolphins have been rumored to be interested in Jackson, but they don't have a 2023 first-round pick and are not expected to pursue him.[4]

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the non-exclusive tag carries a $32.41 million price tag and allows Jackson to negotiate with other teams in free agency.[11]

0. “Analysis: Why Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson would not make sense for the Panthers” Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2023, https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article272826820.html

1. “Ravens put non-exclusive franchise tag on Lamar Jackson” NBC Sports, 7 Mar. 2023, https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/03/07/ravens-put-non-exclusive-franchise-tag-on-lamar-jackson/

2. “Ravens use franchise tag on Lamar Jackson: Top 12 teams likely to pursue star QB in 2023 free agency” CBS Sports, 7 Mar. 2023, https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ravens-use-franchise-tag-on-lamar-jackson-top-12-teams-likely-to-pursue-star-qb-in-2023-free-agency

3. “Saints' Tyrann Mathieu reacts to Ravens using franchise tag on Lamar Jackson: ‘Feel some kind of way about it'” Fox News, 8 Mar. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/saints-tyrann-mathieu-reacts-ravens-using-franchise-tag-on-lamar-jackson-i-feel-some-kind-of-way-about-it

4. “The improbable way Dolphins could land Lamar Jackson. And Miami makes roster moves” Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2023, https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article272856950.html

5. “Ravens' decision day on Lamar Jackson: Here's what you need to know about Tuesday's franchise tag deadline.” Baltimore Sun, 6 Mar. 2023, https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-franchise-tag-explainer-what-you-need-to-know-lamar-jackson-20230306-c4wiuzyphngxvkpuxyvdkvdzmi-story.html

6. “NFL Free Agency Rumors: Latest News on Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley, and Lamar Jackson” Pro Football Network, 7 Mar. 2023, https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-free-agency-rumors-news-0307-2023

7. “Lamar Jackson Guaranteed Deal Demand Yields Ravens' Franchise Tag” Yahoo Sports, 7 Mar. 2023, https://sports.yahoo.com/lamar-jackson-guaranteed-deal-demand-201201042.html

8. “Lamar Jackson's landing spots: Which teams could sign the QB?” FOX Sports, 7 Mar. 2023, https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/lamar-jacksons-landing-spots-which-teams-could-sign-the-qb

9. “Ravens Place Franchise Tag On QB Lamar Jackson” Steelers Depot, 7 Mar. 2023, https://steelersdepot.com/2023/03/ravens-place-franchise-tag-on-qb-lamar-jackson/

10. “2023 NFL franchise tag tracker: Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard among players who received tags ahead of free agency” CBS Sports, 6 Mar. 2023, https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-nfl-franchise-tag-tracker-josh-jacobs-tony-pollard-among-players-who-received-tags-ahead-of-free-agency

11. “Lamar Jackson Given $32.4M Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag by Ravens Ahead of Deadline” Bleacher Report, 7 Mar. 2023, https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10055777-lamar-jackson-given-324m-non-exclusive-franchise-tag-by-ravens-ahead-of-deadline

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