Lamar Jackson

The Ravens used the franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson after talks between the sides didn't produce a long-term contract agreement.

He is the first NFL player to produce 5,000 yards passing and 2,500 yards rushing in the first three seasons of a career. The Ravens have struggled without Jackson the past two seasons, going 3-9 (.308) in his absence. The only players who got tagged and didn't re-sign with the Ravens were offensive lineman Wally Williams (1998) and outside linebacker His record of 45-16 (.738) is the fourth-best of any quarterback who debuted in the Super Bowl era, trailing only The Ravens have $22 million in cap space, and Jackson's tag will cost $32 million (the $45 million exclusive tag number would take effect April 21). If Jackson doesn't play for Baltimore next season, the Ravens can put the franchise tag on him again to keep him from becoming a free agent in 2024. If Jackson were to hold out until the season, he must sign his tender before the Tuesday after Week 10 to be eligible to play in 2023. But there has been only one player in the past 25 years to sit out a full season after being tagged: Now, under the franchise tag, the Ravens and Jackson have until July 17 to work out a long-term deal. "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. The nonexclusive tag -- which will pay Jackson $32 million this season -- is less expensive than the exclusive one (projected at $45 million), which would have allowed the Ravens to control his rights this year. Jackson could return before the season opener in September and earn his entire salary.

Jackson is now free to negotiate a new deal with other teams, and the Ravens will have a chance to match. It could be a dangerous tactic — or an ...

The Baltimore Ravens have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson. Should Jackson sign the tender, he would be agreeing to a ...

Jackson's non-exclusive tag will count $32.4 million against Baltimore's salary cap unless a long-term deal is reached.

The difference between exclusive and non-exclusive tags](https://theathletic.com/4219776/2023/02/20/nfl-franchise-tag-rules-definition-deadline/) [2023 NFL free agency rankings: Lamar Jackson, Derek Carr and Javon Hargrave lead top 150](https://theathletic.com/4242104/2023/02/27/nfl-free-agent-rankings-list/) Our ultimate goal is to build a championship team with Lamar Jackson leading the way for many years to come.” “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,” DeCosta said in a statement. Regardless, the Ravens’ brass has said numerous times publicly that they want Jackson for the long term. It’s now up to Jackson to get the deal he’s seeking and force the Ravens’ hands. That being said, this is the team that was in the Watson pursuit until its final days of last offseason. But you also can’t ignore that parts of his game have fallen off since his 2019 MVP season. The Baltimore GM said the team’s singular focus is a long-term extension with Jackson and he wasn’t interested in discussing trading him. It’s clear the Ravens have run out of confidence in their ability to get this deal done. - The non-exclusive tag allows Jackson to negotiate with other teams. He also rushed for 764 yards and three TDs. Jackson, 26, wrapped up his rookie contract after the 2022 season.

The quarterback, a former league MVP, can negotiate with other teams in free agency and sign an offer sheet with one, if he chooses.

Jackson’s negotiations with the Ravens have been complicated by the fact that he is not represented by an agent. 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. Jackson was reported to have been seeking a fully guaranteed contract similar to the five-year, $230 million deal quarterback Deshaun Watson received last year from the Cleveland Browns. “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. The Ravens elected not to use the more expensive exclusive franchise tag, which would have prevented Jackson from negotiating with other teams and signing an offer sheet with another franchise. He can negotiate with other teams when the NFL’s free agent market opens next week and can sign an offer sheet with another team.

It does appear like the Baltimore Ravens could trade Lamar Jackson. What would packages from the New England Patriots look like to get the player?

The first package would be the Patirots sending their next three first round picks in 2023, 2024, and 2025. What would packages from the New England Patriots look like to get the player? Yes, Lamar Jackson being traded is something that looks increasingly likely.

El quarterback tiene permitido negociar con otros equipos, pero los Ravens pueden igualar cualquier oferta o recibir una compensación a cambio.

La capacidad de hacer jugadas grandes de Jackson ha convertido a los Ravens en uno de los equipos más exitosos durante las últimas cinco campañas. Es el primer jugador de la NFL que produce 5,000 yardas aéreas y 2,500 yardas por tierra en las primeras tres temporadas de su carrera. Cuando se le preguntó en la Semana 2 por qué el dinero garantizado es importante para él, Jackson respondió, "Ya terminé de hablar sobre eso, con todo respeto". Jackson podría volver antes del inicio de la temporada en septiembre y ganarse todo su salario. Si no se alcanza un acuerdo para esa fecha, no se puede firmar un acuerdo hasta después de la temporada. Las fuentes dijeron a ESPN el año pasado que Jackson quiere un contrato totalmente garantizado como el que recibió Deshaun Watson en el 2022 con los Cleveland Browns y Baltimore está en contra de hacerlo porque el equipo considera que el acuerdo de Watson es más una excepción que un precedente.

Los Ravens de Baltimore anunciaron el martes que designarán a Lamar Jackson como su jugador franquicia, con lo que el quarterback no podrá convertirse en un ...

Su dinamismo para pasar y acarrear el balón le tienen como una de las estrellas más singulares de la liga. Sus 12 partidos con al menos 100 yardas por tierra constituyen un récord en la NFL. Una persona con conocimiento de la decisión informó a The Associated Press que Jackson recibirá la etiqueta de jugador franquicia no exclusivo.

With that said, which teams are most likely to pursue Jackson in 2023 free agency? 12. Atlanta Falcons. ESPN and NFL Media report that Atlanta will not be ...

[Texans](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/HOU/houston-texans/), Colts, [Seahawks](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/SEA/seattle-seahawks/), [Lions](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/DET/detroit-lions/), Raiders and Falcons. [Hunter Henry](/nfl/players/2079848/hunter-henry/)). [Rhamondre Stevenson](/nfl/players/3125832/rhamondre-stevenson/)) and tight ends (i.e. They'd also offer Jackson at least one premium weapon in [Terry McLaurin](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/2139279/terry-mclaurin/), as well as close proximity to his existing Baltimore community. 1 wideout in [Davante Adams](/nfl/players/1893167/davante-adams/). And that's saying nothing of Tua's off-script play-making (or lack thereof). [Ravens](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/BAL/baltimore-ravens/) on Tuesday used the franchise tag on [Lamar Jackson](/nfl/players/2239671/lamar-jackson/), securing the star quarterback for the 2023 [NFL](/nfl/) season. [Mac Jones](/nfl/players/2741202/mac-jones/)' long-term job security. New GM Ran Carthon was part of the [49ers](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/SF/san-francisco-49ers/) front office that gambled on [Trey Lance's](/nfl/players/2969444/trey-lance/) athleticism in the 2021 draft, perhaps making them a stylistic fit for Jackson's run-heavy approach. [Kirk Cousins](/nfl/players/1272574/kirk-cousins/) proved more resilient than usual under Kevin O'Connell in 2022, but he's entering a contract year and has proven, with his resume and reputation as an on-schedule play-action pocket passer, that he [fits squarely in the NFL's middle tier of QBs](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-nfl-free-agency-every-teams-qb-situation-ahead-of-offseason-ranked-1-32-in-tiers/). [Bears](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/CHI/chicago-bears/) have more projected cap space, and while Atlanta has a clear-cut need for a short- and long-term answer at QB, it may be picking too late in the first round (No. A year after pursuing [Deshaun Watson](/nfl/players/2133482/deshaun-watson/), coach Arthur Smith is going into his third season atop the staff without any discernible QB future.

Under the $32.416 million nonexclusive tag, Jackson -- who is not represented by an agent -- can engage in contract talks with other teams starting Monday. But ...

Baltimore needs space to not only get Jackson under the cap but improve the roster of a team that got bounced in the wild-card round. With an excellent deep ball and top-tier accuracy -- as well as the mobility needed to excel in Baltimore -- Hooker is a solid top-60 pick and projects as a starter when he gets healthy. His 27 touchdown passes to two interceptions in 2022 is the best rate in the class. Last year, Jackson skipped all of the voluntary practices in the spring for the first time in his career and only reported for the mandatory minicamp. Our ultimate goal is to build a championship team with Lamar Jackson leading the way for many years to come." Jackson's tag caused the Ravens to go from $22 million under the cap to $10 million over it. The risk is that another team might offer Jackson a fully guaranteed deal, which is what Baltimore has been reluctant to do. The Browns were put in a position where they had to overpay for Watson because he had reportedly narrowed his decision to the [Atlanta Falcons](/nfl/team/_/name/atl/atlanta-falcons) and [New Orleans Saints](/nfl/team/_/name/no/new-orleans-saints) after initially rejecting Cleveland as part of his no-trade agreement. If Jackson signs an offer sheet and Baltimore matches it, the nonexclusive tag forced another team to do the Ravens' negotiating for them. Although there's an obvious risk to lose a franchise quarterback, there has never been a quarterback to sign elsewhere on the nonexclusive franchise tag. This marks the first time in seven years a quarterback has received the nonexclusive tag -- [Kirk Cousins](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/14880/kirk-cousins) being the 2016 example -- according to ESPN Stats & Information research. But Baltimore has the right to match any offer sheet Jackson signs with another team in order to keep him or take two first-round picks as compensation.

News from a busy day in the NFL involving the Ravens' Lamar Jackson, Giants' Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley, Packers' Aaron Rodgers and retired Tom Brady.

Multiple media outlets are reporting the Giants also agreed to a four-year contract extension with Jones after a breakout year for the quarterback. Multiple media outlets are reporting that the Ravens used the non-exclusive tag on Jackson, which means he is allowed to negotiate a contract with other teams. Our ultimate goal is to build a championship team with Lamar Jackson leading the way for many years to come.” The longtime Green Bay Packers quarterback is not a free agent but has been the topic of trade/retirement talk this offseason, so who knows what is going on there. Meanwhile, the New York Giants announced they put a non-exclusive tag on Barkley. “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,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement.

The Baltimore Ravens used the non-exclusive franchise tag on Lamar Jackson after the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a long-term deal.

He was inactive for the Ravens’ final five regular season games and did not travel with the team for their The non-exclusive tag comes in at just over $32 million for 2023 and gives Jackson the power to negotiate a long-term deal with other teams. We will continue to negotiate in good faith with Lamar, and we are hopeful that we can strike a long-term deal that is both fair to Lamar and the Ravens. The Jackson contract saga has been going on for almost two years. It would have cost $45 million for next season but would have given the organization control over Jackson’s contract rights and trade talks. “There have been 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.

Los Baltimore Ravens han comprado más tiempo para poder negociar con Lamar Jackson al utilizar la etiqueta de jugador franquicia en el MVP de la temporada ...

“Tras no alcanzar un acuerdo a largo plazo con Lamar Jackson, hemos utilizado la etiqueta de jugador franquicia. Uno de los motivos por los que Baltimore eligió la etiqueta no exclusiva es la diferencia salarial. Con ello, el equipo le pagará 32.416 millones de dólares al quarterback en la temporada 2023 y tendrán hasta el 17 de julio para llegar a un acuerdo multianual.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Los Ravens de Baltimore anunciaron el martes que designarán a Lamar...

Lamar Jackson isn't a free agent. Not technically. But with the Baltimore Ravens placing the non-exclusive franchise tag on their quarterback Tuesday, ...

[Sam Howell](https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/sam-howell-player). [Jared Goff](https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/jared-goff-player). [Bears](https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/chicago-bears-team) are asking for a haul to get into the No. [Matt Ryan](https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/matt-ryan-player), Matt Shmyan. [Jordan Love](https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/jordan-love-player), he's far from a proven entity. [Sharp: Ravens have themselves to blame for not getting Lamar Jackson help](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/sharp-ravens-have-themselves-to-blame-for-not-getting-lamar-jackson-help) [Alabama QB Bryce Young confident in abilities, downplays questions about frame](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/alabama-qb-bryce-young-confident-in-abilities-downplays-questions-about-frame) [2023 NFL free-agent top-50 rankings: Lamar Jackson atop deep group of QBs](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-free-agent-top-50-rankings-lamar-jackson-qbs) [Jalen Carter's draft stock a topic of discussion among NFL execs](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/jalen-carter-draft-stock-a-topic-of-discussion-among-nfl-execs) [Should Bears deal No. [Lamar Jackson](https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/lamar-jackson-player) isn't a free agent. Imagine what they could do with Jackson this year (along with a lot of help on defense). [Ryan Tannehill](https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/ryan-tannehill-player), who is just not good enough at this point in his career to carry a team. [Kenny Pickett](https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/kenny-pickett-player) threw seven touchdowns and nine interceptions in 13 appearances last season. But with the [Baltimore Ravens](https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/baltimore-ravens-team) placing the non-exclusive franchise tag on their quarterback Tuesday, Jackson can begin negotiations with all 32 NFL teams on March 13 when the tampering period opens. [Aaron Rodgers](https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/aaron-rodgers-player) in California, according to multiple reports.

The Ravens placed the franchise tag on Lamar Jackson. Should the Vikings pursue him? @TheKevinFielder explores it from multiple angles.

The Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Lamar Jackson. Reports then circulated about a surprising number of teams being uninterested in him.

The Athletic noted that the [Carolina Panthers](https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/carolina-panthers-team) aren't expected to be in the [Jackson market](https://twitter.com/josephperson/status/1633218702899290112?s=20), either. [Sharp: Ravens have themselves to blame for not getting Lamar Jackson help](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/sharp-ravens-have-themselves-to-blame-for-not-getting-lamar-jackson-help) [Alabama QB Bryce Young confident in abilities, downplays questions about frame](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/alabama-qb-bryce-young-confident-in-abilities-downplays-questions-about-frame) [2023 NFL free-agent top-50 rankings: Lamar Jackson atop deep group of QBs](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-free-agent-top-50-rankings-lamar-jackson-qbs) [Jalen Carter's draft stock a topic of discussion among NFL execs](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/jalen-carter-draft-stock-a-topic-of-discussion-among-nfl-execs) [Should Bears deal No. [very unlikely](https://twitter.com/VinnyBonsignore/status/1633204656364044290?s=20)" the [Raiders](https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders-team) try to sign Jackson. Ranking five potential trade hauls](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/should-bears-trade-no-1-overall-pick-ranking-five-potential-offers) [2023 NFL Draft prospect rankings: 64 best available players](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-top-64-best-available-players) [Aaron Rodgers’ most likely landing spots after Derek Carr domino falls](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/aaron-rodgers-most-likely-landing-spots) [Texas spring storylines: Can Arch Manning win Longhorns’ QB battle?](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/texas-spring-football-storylines) [Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes: Ranking every MLB team's chances to sign him](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/shohei-ohtani-sweepstakes-ranking-every-mlb-teams-chances-to-sign-him) [Pau Gasol thinking of Kobe Bryant ahead of Lakers honor: ‘He elevated me.’](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/pau-gasol-thinking-of-kobe-bryant-ahead-of-lakers-honor-he-elevated-me) [NASCAR power rankings: Ross Chastain rises to top spot after Las Vegas](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nascar/nascar-power-rankings-ross-chastain-rises-to-top-spot) [College basketball tiers: Big 12, Big 10 headline best conference tournaments](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/college-basketball-tiers-big-12-big-ten-among-most-anticipated-conference-tournaments) Furthermore, the Falcons' official team website [published an article](https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/reports-falcons-will-not-pursue-ravens-qb-lamar-jackson) which mentioned reports of their lack of interest in signing Jackson. Jackson, 26, has appeared in just 12 games in each of the last two seasons due to injury. Baltimore went 8-4 in games that Jackson started. ET on Tuesday, even more questions emerged about where current [Baltimore Ravens](https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/baltimore-ravens-team) quarterback [Lamar Jackson](https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/lamar-jackson-player) will play next season. [Baltimore announced](https://twitter.com/Ravens/status/1633196505812041728?s=20) shortly before said deadline that it placed the [non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/baltimore-ravens-place-non-exclusive-franchise-tag-on-lamar-jackson). Still unable to find common ground, speculation has inevitably run rampant on who could swoop in and sign the 2019 NFL MVP. If Jackson signs a contract with another team and Baltimore chooses not to match the offer, they receive two first-round draft picks. [NFL](https://www.foxsports.com/nfl) franchise tag deadline passed at 4 p.m.

What the non-exclusive franchise tag means for the Ravens, Lamar Jackson moving forward | Yahoo Fantasy Football Forecast. Yahoo Sports' Matt Harmon and ...

Baltimore knew what it was doing by placing the nonexclusive tag on its QB and can now sit back and wait to see if a team steps up with an offer sheet it ...

[calculate and manipulate the compensatory pick formula](https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/06/17/ravens-are-fleecing-the-nfl), are just one of the small advantages they have allowed us to find out about. One (Carolina) was front and center watching quarterbacks at the combine. The episode of Hard Knocks, where Rex Ryan slams the door and screams at Darrelle Revis’s super agents is among the greatest moments in NFL Labor history. The Falcons, like the Ravens, have to be concerned about Jackson’s durability, postseason history (1–3 record) and the ultimate risk of forking over $200 million in guarantees to a quarterback who may or may not be able to fully accentuate their set of young star pass catchers in addition to the fact that, yes, there are folks out there who still really like Ridder. The Falcons were one of a small handful of teams remaining from the Watson bidding war still desperately needing a long-term option. Perhaps that door was closed well in advance of Tuesday’s decision, which only served to bolster Baltimore’s confidence in dangling Jackson to almost every general manager in the NFL.

At least five teams leaked out their 'disinterest' in Lamar Jackson within several hours of him being made available and it really makes you think.

[Bengals](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/CIN/cincinnati-bengals/) and [Chargers](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/LAC/los-angeles-chargers/) are facing monster extensions for [Joe Burrow](/nfl/players/2179798/joe-burrow/) and [Justin Herbert](/nfl/players/2221960/justin-herbert/), respectively. The A 26-year-old former MVP simply DOES NOT become available in the NFL with no interest from other teams. The franchise tag was designed by NFL owners to prevent key players from becoming available to the rest of the league. [Matthew Stafford](/nfl/players/1114942/matthew-stafford/) and -- not even joking here -- [Carson Wentz](/nfl/players/1907522/carson-wentz/). Additionally, if a team doesn't believe they're a quarterback away and are in the middle of a rebuild, there's a reasonable argument for not giving up the capital. The exact same case could be made for the [Atlanta Falcons](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/ATL/atlanta-falcons/). As our own Jason LaCanfora reported in March of 2022, the deal Cleveland owner Jimmy Haslam gave Watson [drew the ire of basically every other NFL owner](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-insider-notes-deshaun-watsons-game-changing-deal-and-its-ramifications-hottest-topic-at-owners-meetings/). And this isn't two firsts for a cost-controlled player you would get in the draft. [Carolina Panthers](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/CAR/carolina-panthers/) are largely irrelevant on a national stage. Teams routinely pay outrageous prices in terms of current and future draft capital to move up and take a flier on an unknown commodity in the draft. [NFL](/nfl/) to come after him.

Under the $32.416 million nonexclusive tag, Jackson -- who is not represented by an agent -- can engage in contract talks with other teams starting Monday. But ...

Baltimore needs space to not only get Jackson under the cap but improve the roster of a team that got bounced in the wild-card round. With an excellent deep ball and top-tier accuracy -- as well as the mobility needed to excel in Baltimore -- Hooker is a solid top-60 pick and projects as a starter when he gets healthy. His 27 touchdown passes to two interceptions in 2022 is the best rate in the class. Last year, Jackson skipped all of the voluntary practices in the spring for the first time in his career and only reported for the mandatory minicamp. Our ultimate goal is to build a championship team with Lamar Jackson leading the way for many years to come." Jackson's tag caused the Ravens to go from $22 million under the cap to $10 million over it. The risk is that another team might offer Jackson a fully guaranteed deal, which is what Baltimore has been reluctant to do. The Browns were put in a position where they had to overpay for Watson because he had reportedly narrowed his decision to the [Atlanta Falcons](/nfl/team/_/name/atl/atlanta-falcons) and [New Orleans Saints](/nfl/team/_/name/no/new-orleans-saints) after initially rejecting Cleveland as part of his no-trade agreement. If Jackson signs an offer sheet and Baltimore matches it, the nonexclusive tag forced another team to do the Ravens' negotiating for them. Although there's an obvious risk to lose a franchise quarterback, there has never been a quarterback to sign elsewhere on the nonexclusive franchise tag. This marks the first time in seven years a quarterback has received the nonexclusive tag -- [Kirk Cousins](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/14880/kirk-cousins) being the 2016 example -- according to ESPN Stats & Information research. But Baltimore has the right to match any offer sheet Jackson signs with another team in order to keep him or take two first-round picks as compensation.

The Baltimore Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on superstar quarterback and 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson on Tuesday, a surprising move perhaps ...

If they were to make a move, who would they pursue? Tom Brady appears settled on retirement and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers reportedly is ...

[preparing for a quarterback battle](https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/49ers-confident-brock-purdy-trey-lance-qb-competition-will-lead-wins) between Lance and Brock Purdy and likely will decide between the two once both are healthy and ready for the start of the 2023 season. [Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast](https://art19.com/shows/49ers-talk) "What about Lance, Aiyuk and a 2024 first-round pick to the Ravens for Jackson and a 2024 fourth-round selection? And how would the 49ers be able to afford Jackson's potentially record-breaking contract in an offseason where they will attempt to sign Defensive Player of the year Nick Bosa to an extension? [Bill Barnwell ranked the teams](https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/insider/story/_/id/35803270/lamar-jackson-trade-fits-ranking-nfl-teams-ravens-quarterback-franchise-tag) that he believes are the best fit for Jackson, with the 49ers at No. If the Ravens were to decline, the team that signs Jackson then would have to surrender both 2023 and 2024 first-round picks to Baltimore.

If they were to make a move, who would they pursue? Tom Brady appears settled on retirement and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers reportedly is ...

The San Francisco 49ers. After making a blockbuster deal to trade up for Trey Lance during the 2021 NFL Draft, it didn't seem like the 49ers were serious ...

The 49ers would have the automatic power to snap away any opponent they desire into dust. Being in the mix for the QB would all but make Aiyuk’s departure a virtual guarantee. First of all, there’s no way the 49ers recoup a first-round selection. Because rostering Jackson would be like Thanos getting the last Infinity Stone for his Infinity Gauntlet. But a first, second, cornucopia of thirds, and any other firsts sprinkled in is an exchange even the Ravens couldn’t say no to. But at just over $6 million in salary cap space per [Over The Cap](https://overthecap.com/salary-cap/san-francisco-49ers), the 49ers can’t exactly give Bosa a lot of dough up front and get Jackson into the fold. [which organization would make a lucrative offer](https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/ravens-lamar-jackson-non-exclusive-franchise-tag-match-falcons-lions-giants) the Ravens would likely have to refuse to match? However, should he stick on the Chargers’ roster, Mack will carry a $27.4 million and $27.7 million cap hit in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The most recent prominent example of such a contract structure might be what the Bears gave Khalil Mack in 2018. It also puts the 49ers behind the eight ball to potentially make a blockbuster move for Jackson. What would have to happen for that to become a possibility? Even if teams like the Falcons aren’t interested in anointing him as their starting QB, there’s no feasible reality where Jackson doesn’t have his pick of the litter for formal agreements.

If they were to make a move, who would they pursue? Tom Brady appears settled on retirement and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers reportedly is ...

[preparing for a quarterback battle](https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/49ers-confident-brock-purdy-trey-lance-qb-competition-will-lead-wins) between Lance and Brock Purdy and likely will decide between the two once both are healthy and ready for the start of the 2023 season. [Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast](https://art19.com/shows/49ers-talk) "What about Lance, Aiyuk and a 2024 first-round pick to the Ravens for Jackson and a 2024 fourth-round selection? And how would the 49ers be able to afford Jackson's potentially record-breaking contract in an offseason where they will attempt to sign Defensive Player of the year Nick Bosa to an extension? [Bill Barnwell ranked the teams](https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/insider/story/_/id/35803270/lamar-jackson-trade-fits-ranking-nfl-teams-ravens-quarterback-franchise-tag) that he believes are the best fit for Jackson, with the 49ers at No. If the Ravens were to decline, the team that signs Jackson then would have to surrender both 2023 and 2024 first-round picks to Baltimore.

The Ravens' decision to use the franchise tag on Lamar Jackson is all about trying to jumpstart negotiations between the two sides.

The Ravens have been particularly interested in keeping Jackson long-term, so hope remains that a deal will be done. If that ends up being the case, the team could end up signing him to the deal that it had hoped for all along. Even still, some will still wonder why the Ravens and Jackson have had so much trouble finding a middle ground in negotiations. The Ravens will still have a chance to sign any other deal to which Jackson agrees. Certainly, this is a sensible way for the Ravens to do business. And even if Baltimore was unwilling or unable to match an offer sheet, the team would still receive at least two first-round picks in exchange for Jackson, as stipulated by the terms of the non-exclusive franchise tag.

Quite a few Carolina Panthers fans want Lamar Jackson on their team, and they know exactly who's got the connections. Shortly after the Baltimore Ravens ...

[to stay in Charlotte](https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/01/panthers-gm-scott-fitterer-combine-free-agency-bradley-bozeman/) where they belong), they know who to call . Being that he has been saddled with that non-exclusive tag, Jackson is free to negotiate with any other team that holds first-round picks in the next two drafts. After his rookie campaign—one in which he was used relatively sparingly—the former sixth-round pick worked his way onto the Ravens’ offensive front as their starting left guard in 2019 and 2020, and then as their starting center in 2021.

Lamar Jackson is the hottest free agent on the market. So why doesn't any team, including the Atlanta Falcons, want him?

The Ravens made the frugal call with Jackson. Now, they'll get a chance to find out if it was the smart move.

The Buccaneers also [released Donovan Smith on Tuesday](https://theathletic.com/4284982/2023/03/07/buccaneers-release-donovan-smith/). [Daniel Jones](https://theathletic.com/nfl/player/daniel-jones-OeqLvbJNbGyXeJqu/) got his four-year, $160 million extension (plus another $35 million in incentives), and running back [Saquon Barkley](https://theathletic.com/nfl/player/saquon-barkley-NJxDrUdY0dwJPjnk/) got the $10.1 million franchise tag. Or they could trade the second pick to a QB-needy team for an extra first-rounder (and more), move down a few spots and still get two high-octane edge rushers to join forces with 2022 first-rounder Derek Stingley. And second, if the Texans don’t need to draft a quarterback, they’d hold a lot of power with picks No. But the Giants bought themselves some time, saved about $12 million in 2023 cap space (relative to Jones’ franchise tag) and used that money to retain Barkley. (If a team without a first-round pick in the next two drafts is interested in Jackson, it’s also possible for the Ravens and Jackson to facilitate a trade.) The acquiring team would be surrendering less draft compensation than the Jackson signs the tag and orchestrates a hold-in to pressure the Ravens into an extension or trade: Holdouts have become too expensive with the $50,000 daily fines, and players appear to be more reluctant to go the Le’Veon Bell route in choosing not to sign the tag. Jackson doesn’t sign an offer sheet, returns to the Ravens and plays out the franchise tag: The quarterback would continue to bet on himself and hope to increase his value over the next year. In this scenario, Jackson can prove that he was smart to play this out, corrals a deal the Ravens wouldn’t meet and the Ravens can recoup the signing team’s next two first-round picks. Now that he’ll see his value on the open market, he can take the best deal on the table, and the Ravens can match it to keep him. Watson was on his way out of Houston, had a no-trade clause and had ruled the Comparatively, Jackson is the more accomplished quarterback, and he has been a model citizen in the community.

Will the Baltimore Ravens lose Lamar Jackson in free agency? So far, no teams have stepped up to the plate. The reality is that teams will not only have to pay ...

The Baltimore Ravens took the risk, but the risk appears to be coming with a big payoff. This move has pros and cons, and the obvious risk of losing Lamar Jackson in free agency. So far, no teams have stepped up to the plate.

Why the Falcons' supposed interest in Jackson never made sense. Robert Griffin III says the Ravens hope the non-exclusive franchise tag will speed up ...

"If Lamar discovers the appetite for a fully guaranteed deal is not present anywhere in the NFL, he may return to the negotiating table with the Ravens and hammer out a long-term contract that meets the Ravens on their terms. "In other words, Jackson's tag severely limits what the Ravens can do to build a championship team around him." The cap hit for placing the non-exclusive tag on Jackson is $32.4 million, which took the Ravens from $22 million under the cap to $9 million over it. "The reality, despite what you hear, is if you're 25 years old and you're a top-tier player, the chances that you're going to collect a hundred percent of your contract are extraordinarily high. "The dream scenario for the Texans would be to hold on to the No. Because Jackson is a tagged player, he will be eligible to sign an extension with the Ravens up until a July 17 deadline. "The Ravens likely would want the baseline deal of the No. The speculation seemed to be validated when Heavy On Sports' Matt Lombardo reported yesterday that "the Lamar Jackson conversation between the Ravens and Falcons progressed tremendously in Indianapolis" at the Combine. "So we haven't seen a quarterback actually get signed to an offer sheet on the nonexclusive tag this century— and that's what the Ravens are banking on here. 1 and sacrifice their top two picks in 2024 (and a third-rounder in 2025) to get their pick of the quarterbacks. The Bears would get three first-round picks for the top selection and immediately ship two of them to the Ravens for Jackson, while also landing second- and third-round picks for Fields. "If the Bucs wanted to avoid sending two first-round picks to the Ravens for Jackson, they could include a significant player by adding [wide receiver Chris] Godwin, which would help create cap space at the cost of losing a star receiver.