We all know what the normal NFL franchise tag is — it binds a player to said team for the season, and they are paid a premium price at their position. But what is the non-exclusive rights franchise tag?
Lamar Jackson was signed to the non-exclusive rights franchise tag on Tuesday prior to the deadline. Jackson is stuck with the Baltimore Ravens, which couldn’t agree to a long-term contract with their quarterback prior to 4 p.m.
Non-exclusive rights does technically mean another team could sign Jackson in free agency, but it comes with some stipulations.
Jackson is a talented quarterback, but there are some questions as to his durability and progression in the passing department.
Lamar Jackson now has the ability to shop for the best deal possible, and Baltimore will have the chance to match any offer sheet he signs or opt for two first-round picks instead. The market is about to mediate Baltimore and Jackson’s differences.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2023
What is the non-exclusive rights franchise tag?
The non-exclusive franchise tag allows a player to negotiate with other teams for a deal of their choice, should he want. With Jackson, a team in need of a quarterback could try and sign him to a long-term contract beyond the price of the tag, which would pay him just over $32 million for this season.
If Jackson were signed by another team, however, it would cost that team two first-round picks. The non-exclusive rights tag also gives the Ravens more time to negotiate a long-term deal with Jackson, which is likely the main purpose of this.
Baltimore also has the chance to match whatever deal Jackson agrees to.
Jackson was also negotiating a deal beyond $40 million per season. The tag pays him under that mark, should he play on it, which makes it a good tool for Baltimore and a negotiating tactic if Jackson wants to stay with the Ravens beyond this season.
Betting on himself would be a dangerous ply for Jackson, especially considering he is oft-injured at this point in his career. The way Jackson plays — a run-first style — puts him in danger of hits from opposing defenders early and often.