Lamar Jackson's future is still uncertain with the Baltimore Ravens quarterback currently heading for free agency, but the franchise could make an unlikely decision.
Jackson rejected a five-year £208.5m ($250m) deal with the Ravens last season, a contract that would have seen him make a guaranteed £111m ($133m). Following DeShaun Watson's fully guaranteed, five-year, £189m ($230m) deal with the Cleveland Browns, Jackson clearly feels he is worth more than what they were offering.
The Ravens obviously don't want to lose their star man, and it was expected that they would use their franchise tag to keep him at the organisation, and continue contract talks next season. But according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, several people around the NFL believe that the Ravens could use their non-exclusive franchise tag instead.
The non-exclusive tag would allow other teams to offer Jackson a contract, which would then allow the Ravens to either match it or decline in exchange for two first-round picks. The Ravens have already offered Jackson a major deal, but this method would allow them to see what other teams in the league believe he is worth.
If they can't match it, or simply don't want to, then they can accept that Jackson will depart and pick up crucial draft picks to rebuild and strengthen for the future. Of course, there is a world in which another team wouldn't surpass the Ravens' initial offer, meaning they've called Jackson's bluff.
Jackson is of course an incredible quarterback, and still has an exceptional future ahead of him. However, injuries have stalled his progression over the last two seasons.
If the non-exclusive tag is used, or indeed if Jackson does head for free agency, there are likely to be an abundance of teams in for him as many franchises are looking for a new quarterback. The New Orleans Saints have just agreed to sign Derek Carr, but all three of their NFC South rivals are all looking for new options.
With Tom Brady retiring, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are seeking a new star quarterback, and the Las Vegas Raiders are yet to replace Carr. If Aaron Rodgers does depart the Green Bay Packers then a starting spot could open up at Lambeau Field, although Jordan Love will be hoping that's not the case as he awaits his first real chance.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has not been shy in showing his love for Jackson, and will be hoping a deal can be sorted as soon as possible. "You know I love Lamar," he said before the end of the 2022 season. "I love everything about Lamar. Always have, always will."
