Lamar Jackson contract deadline: Did star quarterback get franchise tagged?

The Baltimore Ravens used the franchise tag star quarterback Lamar Jackson in the 11th hour.

One way or another, Lamar Jackson will get paid, either by the Baltimore Ravens or someone else.

While there are other quarterbacks moving across the NFL, Jackson’s free agency has everyone’s undivided attention. The 2016 Heisman Trophy winner has quarterbacked many Ravens teams to the postseason, including his brilliant 2019 MVP campaign. However, playoff success has largely evaded the Ravens during the Jackson era. Shockingly, he actually played out his fifth-year option.

What general manager Eric DeCosta decided to do over Jackson’s contract dispute is now the defining moment of his front office career up to this point. So Did the Ravens tag Jackson or not?

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Baltimore is using the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, coming in at a cool $32.41 million. He is now free to negotiate with other teams. but the Ravens have the right to match any offer. If they decide not to match, Baltimore recoups a pair of first-round picks.

Lamar Jackson contract: Did the Ravens franchise tag their star quarterback?

Ravens executive vice president and former general manager Ozzie Newsome said on The Bernie Kosar Show Monday that Baltimore will use the tag as somewhat of a last resort for Jackson.

"“Today and up until 3:30 tomorrow, a lot of energy will be utilized in trying to get a deal done. If not, we will put the franchise tag on him.”"

They sure did…

With Jackson being tagged, he joins the likes of Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram and Washington Commanders defensive lineman Da’Ron Payne who have already been slapped with the tag in the lead-up to their free agencies.

Although DeCosta flew down to Jackson’s native Miami to speak with him about a long-term extension, a franchise tag felt inevitable. What is so unbelievably important in this is that it is of the non-exclusive vareity. An exclusive tag would have given Jackson more money upfront, as well as tying him to the Ravens going forward. The non-exclusive tag likely means he is on his way out.

As far as teams who could be in position to negotiate for Jackson, the Atlanta Falcons have to be at the top of the list. The Dirty Birds have the second-most cap space in football. While they do like Desmond Ridder a great deal, Jackson has the star power this long woebegone franchise is lacking. Atlanta would have to give up a considerable amount to get him, but he could be worth it.

FanSided will keep you up to date on all the wheelings and dealings of Jackson’s NFL free agency.