Former MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson is already in unprecedented territory after being hit with the non-exclusive franchise tag, but could make history if he signs an offer sheet with a new team.
The non-exclusive tag isn't thrown around very often, in fact, it's only been applied to one other NFL star within the last 30 years of free agency. That player was Matt Cassel, who was later traded to the Kansas City Chiefs from the New England Patriots on a long-term deal.
No player in the last 30 years has received the non-exclusive franchise tag, signed an offer sheet with another team and then ended up with that new team, meaning Jackson could be the first to do so. However, there is one issue so far... it doesn't look like too many teams are interested.
Jackson made a huge statement last season by rejecting a five-year £208.5m ($250m) deal with the Baltimore Ravens, and after failing to negotiate an improved contract the non-exclusive tag was applied. Following DeShaun Watson's ground-breaking five-year deal with the Cleveland Browns that was signed in March 2022, it's likely that Jackson feels as though he can hold out for a bigger offer.
The Ravens would have paid him a guaranteed £111m ($133m), but with Watson's five-year, £189m ($230m) contract fully-guaranteed, his head may have been turned. The Ravens did their best with negotiations, and their primary aim has always been to move forward with Jackson as quarterback.
But Jackson's bluff has been called, as with the non-exclusive tag it allows other teams to offer the quarterback a contract, which would then allow the Ravens to either match it or decline in exchange for two first-round picks. It's a perfect method to see what other franchises feel Jackson could be worth, although we are yet to see any team show interest thus far with the new league year poised to start on March 15 - the traditional start of Free Agency.
Following the franchise tag deadline, reports emerged that as many as five NFL teams declared they would not be in for Jackson, and on Thursday that became six as the New England Patriots reportedly broke their silence. ESPN reported that the Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders and the Atlanta Falcons would not pursue Jackson, and Vincent Bonsignore of Las Vegas Review-Journal ended any Las Vegas Raiders speculation.
The Athletic reported that the Carolina Panthers were also not set to be involved, limiting Jackson's potential options within days of being hit by the tag. Of course there are still 25 teams remaining outside of the Ravens, but this unexpected early snub from around the league could suggest that Jackson's gamble may not pay off.
Jackson's certainly not going to be fading away, and his future will be decided one way or another. He still could very much make history with a high-profile move, but it's also possible he could return to the Ravens having potentially overvalued his position.
