BALTIMORE — The Ravens on Tuesday applied the nonexclusive franchise tag to Lamar Jackson, keeping their quarterback off the open market but giving him an opportunity to pursue a contract with another team.
Baltimore has five days to match any offer sheet Jackson signs, or they could let him walk and receive two first-round draft picks in exchange.
“Having not yet reached a long-term deal with Lamar Jackson, we will use the franchise tag,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. “There have been many instances across the league and in Baltimore when a player has been designated with the franchise tag and signed a long-term deal that same year. We will continue to negotiate in good faith with Lamar, and we are hopeful that we can strike a long-term deal that is fair to both Lamar and the Ravens. Our ultimate goal is to build a championship team with Lamar Jackson leading the way for many years to come.”
