The Baltimore Ravens were unable to come to terms on a long-term deal with Lamar Jackson before the Tuesday, March 7th deadline. Instead, the Ravens slapped a non-exclusive franchise tag on the 2019 NFL MVP, who is now free to negotiate with other teams. If Jackson signs an offer sheet with another NFL franchise, Baltimore will have the opportunity to either match it or get two first-round draft picks in exchange for his services.
Statement from GM Eric DeCosta: pic.twitter.com/LOnW8XpPL5
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 7, 2023
Jackson threw for 2,242 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season, and the 26-year-old added another 764 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Jackson did, however, end up missing five regular-season games and he wasn’t available in a 24-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the postseason. Now, the dual-threat superstar has some decisions to make.
Jackson could opt to hold out in hopes of securing a fully guaranteed contract, which is what he has been pushing for since the Cleveland Browns ponied up and gave one to Deshaun Watson. Jackson can either hold out until the start of the regular season, or he can make the decision not to play at all. We have seen that happen before and the threat of it would put significant pressure on a franchise that hasn’t had much success without Jackson on the field — even though backup Tyler Huntley inexplicably made the Pro Bowl last season.