Lamar Jackson Designated as Franchise Tag Non-Exclusive: What Does it Mean for the Ravens?

 The Baltimore Ravens have designated Lamar Jackson as their franchise tag non-exclusive player for the 2022 season. This move has generated a lot of buzz and speculation about the future of the Ravens and their star quarterback. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the franchise tag non-exclusive designation and its implications for both players and teams. We will also discuss why the Ravens chose this designation for Lamar Jackson and evaluate his performance and value to the team. Furthermore, we will analyze Jackson's contract situation and the potential future of his career with the Ravens. By the end of this post, readers will have a better understanding of the significance of the franchise tag non-exclusive designation and its impact on the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson.

I. What is the Franchise Tag Non-Exclusive?

The franchise tag is a designation that NFL teams can use to retain a player for one season. This designation allows a team to prevent a player from becoming an unrestricted free agent and negotiate a long-term contract. The non-exclusive franchise tag is one of two types of franchise tags that a team can use. It allows the player to negotiate with other teams, but if the player signs an offer sheet with another team, the original team has the right to match the offer and retain the player. If the original team chooses not to match the offer, they will receive two first-round draft picks as compensation. The non-exclusive franchise tag offers a level of protection for the team while giving the player some freedom to explore the market. This type of tag is often used for players who are valuable to their team but may not be considered elite or irreplaceable.

II. Why did the Ravens Choose the Non-Exclusive Tag for Lamar Jackson?

The Baltimore Ravens chose to designate Lamar Jackson as their franchise tag non-exclusive player for the 2022 season for several reasons. One reason is that it provides the Ravens with some flexibility in contract negotiations. The non-exclusive tag allows Jackson to negotiate with other teams, which could drive up his price and put pressure on the Ravens to offer a competitive contract. However, the Ravens can still match any offer that Jackson receives, ensuring that they retain his services for the 2022 season.

Another reason the Ravens chose the non-exclusive tag is that it gives them more time to negotiate a long-term contract with Jackson. By using the franchise tag, the Ravens can delay the need to negotiate a long-term contract until after the 2022 season. This provides both parties with more time to evaluate their options and come to an agreement that works for everyone.

Finally, the non-exclusive tag provides the Ravens with some protection against the possibility of losing Jackson. While it is unlikely that another team will be willing to give up two first-round draft picks as compensation for signing Jackson, the non-exclusive tag ensures that the Ravens receive some compensation if he does leave.

Overall, the non-exclusive tag gives the Ravens some control over the negotiations with Jackson while also providing him with some freedom to explore the market. This designation is a calculated move by the Ravens to ensure that they retain one of the league's most exciting quarterbacks for the upcoming season.

III. Lamar Jackson's Performance and Value to the Ravens

Lamar Jackson has been the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens since the middle of the 2018 season. He has been one of the most exciting players in the league, and his performance has been impressive. In his three full seasons as a starter, Jackson has amassed over 8,500 passing yards, 2,906 rushing yards, and 92 total touchdowns.

Jackson's value to the Ravens cannot be overstated. He has led the team to three consecutive playoff appearances, including a trip to the divisional round in the 2020 season. Jackson's ability to run the ball and make plays with his legs makes him a unique threat in the NFL. He has also shown improvement as a passer over the past few seasons, and his arm talent is undeniable.

The Ravens have built their offense around Jackson's strengths, and he has thrived in their system. Jackson's ability to make plays with his legs and arm makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He has also shown that he is a leader on and off the field, and his work ethic is unquestioned.

Overall, Lamar Jackson is one of the most valuable players in the NFL, and his value to the Ravens cannot be overstated. He is a dynamic player who can take over a game with his legs or arm, and the Ravens' success over the past few seasons is largely due to his performance.

IV. Lamar Jackson's Contract Situation and Future with the Ravens

Lamar Jackson's contract situation has been a topic of discussion for some time. Jackson is currently in the final year of his rookie contract, and the Ravens have a decision to make about his future with the team.

The Ravens have expressed their desire to sign Jackson to a long-term contract extension, and it is expected that they will continue to negotiate with him throughout the upcoming season. However, the negotiations could be complicated by the fact that Jackson's agent is also the agent for Patrick Mahomes, who signed a record-breaking contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020.

If the Ravens and Jackson cannot come to an agreement on a long-term contract, they could use the franchise tag on him again in 2023. However, this would be an expensive option, as the cost of the franchise tag would increase significantly from year to year.

Ultimately, the Ravens and Jackson's future together will depend on their ability to come to an agreement on a contract extension. The Ravens have made it clear that they value Jackson as a franchise quarterback, and they will likely do everything in their power to keep him on the team. Jackson has also expressed his desire to remain with the Ravens, so it is likely that both parties will work towards a deal that benefits everyone.

In conclusion, Lamar Jackson's future with the Baltimore Ravens is uncertain, but it is clear that he is a vital part of the team's success. The Ravens will likely continue to negotiate with him throughout the upcoming season, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Jackson and the Ravens.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Baltimore Ravens' decision to use the franchise tag non-exclusive designation on Lamar Jackson for the 2022 season provides them with some flexibility and control in contract negotiations while allowing Jackson to explore the market. Jackson's performance and value to the Ravens cannot be overstated, and he is one of the most exciting players in the league.

The Ravens and Jackson's future together will depend on their ability to come to an agreement on a long-term contract extension. The negotiations could be complicated, but both parties have expressed their desire to continue working together. The Ravens will likely do everything in their power to keep Jackson on the team, and Jackson has shown that he wants to remain with the Ravens.

Overall, the Ravens' decision to use the franchise tag non-exclusive designation on Lamar Jackson is a calculated move that ensures they retain one of the league's most exciting quarterbacks for the upcoming season. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Jackson and the Ravens, but one thing is certain: Lamar Jackson is a valuable player who has the potential to lead the Ravens to future success.