What happens next with Lamar Jackson, Ravens after non-exclusive franchise tag?

The Baltimore Ravens gave Lamar Jackson the non-exclusive franchise tag. What does that mean moving forward?

Oh boy, the Baltimore Ravens really did it. After a year of mainly negotiations, or lack thereof, with quarterback Lamar Jackson, the two sides were far apart on contract expectations for a long-term deal.

The Crows awarded Jackson the honors mark. Specifically, they used the non-exclusive franchise tag. This specific appointment—in lieu of an exclusive franchise tag—paves the way for other teams to offer Jackson a long-term deal.

So, what happens next?

Here’s what’s next for Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens

Really, what’s next is just waiting. Now that Jackson is hired, other teams can provide him with offer sheets if they want to try and keep him away from the Ravens. If neither team does, which is unlikely, Jackson will play a one-year deal with the Ravens. If he chooses not to play this one-year deal, he will have to leave the year and collect $0.

While you might think the Crows are being foolish for letting other teams get in on the bidding on Jackson (they could have used the exclusivity tag, which would have kept him from talking to other teams), this is a sneaky good route. For Baltimore to go for it because it gives them the opportunity to keep Jackson in Baltimore at a market rate without having to do negotiations – which obviously went nowhere – even longer.

With the non-exclusive tag, other teams can offer Jackson a contract, but Baltimore has the right to match any offer sheet he receives. They have the final say on keeping him in Baltimore or not. General Manager Eric DeCosta said the team wants to keep him around and build with him.

Furthermore, if the Ravens do not match the contract, the team that signs Jackson needs to send first-round picks to the Ravens.

Teams won’t want to offer Jackson a sum of money as the Ravens are completely uninvolved when they also have to forgo a draft capital. So the offers that Baltimore will have to match will be ostensibly below market value.

Jackson wanted a contract beyond what Baltimore would like him to do. Previously, proof of Jackson was the deal for Deshaun Watson and other ridiculously high quarterback contracts in the NFL. Now, the Ravens are basically calling his bluff and saying, “If other teams pay you that much, we’ll match it, but we don’t think that’s your market.”

The crows maintain control, while opening things up for a little bit of chaos. It must be fun.

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