The intrigue had been building for weeks. Would the Baltimore Ravens apply the franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson? And, if so, would the Washington Commanders push all their chips into the middle of the table and make a move for Jackson?
On Tuesday, the Ravens applied the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson. That means other teams can negotiate with Jackson, giving the Ravens a chance to match. However, if the Ravens do not match, the team signing him gives two first-round picks to Baltimore.
For a player of Jackson’s caliber and age, two first-round picks is nothing, right?
Well, considering the holdup between Jackson [who acts as his own agent] and the Ravens is guaranteed money. Jackson reportedly wants a fully guaranteed contract like the one the Browns gave Deshaun Watson last year. The Ravens and the rest of the NFL are hesitant to give out a fully guaranteed deal and view Watson’s deal as an outlier.
Back to the Commanders. While the draft-pick compensation sounds enticing, Washington’s issue is cash. Cold hard cash. Remember the years when the team would throw silly money at overrated free agents such as Adam Archuleta and Albert Haynesworth? Those days have been gone for years, but as we learned in last week’s ESPN report concerning the Commanders, the team isn’t doing well financially.
Therefore, Jackson isn’t coming to D.C. and it doesn’t sound like the team is even entertaining the possibility.
Hi. Lamar is not coming here. The end.
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 7, 2023
You should trust John Keim.
If that isn’t enough.
When it comes to the Commanders and Lamar Jackson, “I wouldn’t hold your breath on us in that race” a source told me.
We’ll see, but Washington looks to be on the outside looking in.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) March 8, 2023
Washington’s current ownership situation makes a play for Jackson unlikely. And even if Washington or another team made an offer for Jackson, it doesn’t mean the Ravens wouldn’t match. Two first-round picks for a quarterback like Jackson is nothing.
The Commanders weren’t the only team who will not be involved with Jackson.
According to multiple reports, the following teams will not pursue Lamar Jackson:
• Atlanta Falcons
• Carolina Panthers
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Miami Dolphins
• Washington CommandersTime will tell if reality matches reporting.
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) March 7, 2023
