The Baltimore Ravens decided to use the franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson after not being able to agree on a long-term contract as of now. The team decided on the non-exclusive tag for Jackson, which will come with a $32.4 million cap charge assuming he plays on it in 2023.
After the news was announced, both current and former Ravens players reacted to the decision. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey, offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and safety Geno Stone each took to Twitter to share their feelings, with each of them posting emojis or GIFs that have clear messages.
😅😅
— marlonhumphrey.eth (@marlon_humphrey) March 7, 2023
— Ronnie Stanley (@megatronnie) March 7, 2023
😐😐
— Geno Stone (@GenoStone22) March 7, 2023
Former Baltimore players also got in on the action as well, with Tony Jefferson and Robert Griffin III chiming in.
My opinion..
Lamar will be a raven – they’ll let the market dictate his contract. I also believe they’ll match any offer he accepts. 2 1st round picks is simply not enough to replace his rare talent & his value to the franchise. Raven fans it will work out. Just my opinion 🤷🏾♂️— Tony Jefferson II (@_tonyjefferson) March 7, 2023
By giving Lamar Jackson the Non-Exclusive Franchise tag and allowing other teams to negotiate with him, the Ravens must believe that no team will give Lamar a deal they aren’t willing to match. They don’t believe a team will give him a fully guaranteed deal like Deshaun Watson’s.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 7, 2023
Things will now get interesting for the Ravens. Hopefully things will get sorted out between the front office and Jackson, and some sort of resolution is reached, as Baltimore can’t fully progress with their offseason as long as no concrete end is in sight for the situation.