The Baltimore Ravens have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson, leaving his long-term future unresolved. The move, confirmed on Tuesday, allows Jackson to negotiate with other teams, though the Ravens retain the right to match any offer. If they decline to match, they would receive two first-round draft picks in compensation.
Under the non-exclusive tag, Jackson would earn $32.4m for the 2023 season if he plays on it. The Ravens could have used the exclusive-rights tag, which would have prevented Jackson from speaking to other clubs but would have cost around $45m for the upcoming campaign. The deadline for applying the tag passed at 4pm Eastern on Tuesday, and Baltimore had always been expected to use it in the absence of a long-term deal.
General manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement: “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 long-term 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.”
The situation mirrors recent precedents. The Dallas Cowboys used the exclusive tag on Dak Prescott in 2020 before agreeing a long-term contract a year later, while Kirk Cousins played on the tag in his final two seasons in Washington before joining Minnesota in 2018. Jackson, the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player, has been a transformative presence for Baltimore, amassing over 10,000 passing yards and 4,000 rushing yards already, and setting an NFL record with 12 games of at least 100 rushing yards.
Injuries have cut short his last two seasons, and the Ravens have yet to reach the AFC championship game under him. With new offensive coordinator Todd Monken hired from Georgia, the team hopes to progress. Negotiations can continue, but the coming months will determine whether Jackson remains in Baltimore or moves elsewhere.
