The Baltimore Ravens are doing their job – or are they? While the NFL franchise has secured itself from AFC North top quarterback Lamar Jackson, it might ultimately end in a farewell.
Still part of the Baltimore Ravens for now: star quarterback Lamar Jackson.
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It is crystal clear that Lamar Jackson has been an outstanding athlete and the face of the Ravens in recent years. The Louisville college grad, who was drafted 32nd in the 2018 NFL draft, has started 61 games for Baltimore since then – and won 45 (16 losses). Jackson achieved this with outstanding footwork and constantly improving passing.
Over 12,000 passing yards, almost 4500 yards on foot and a total of 125 touchdowns with 69 turnovers are impressive.
But less so the tough negotiations that have dragged on like chewing gum in the recent past. Jackson himself is said to have turned down offers, so that no agreement was reached between the two parties as of this Tuesday.
Is there a big deal?
But even before the end of the franchise tag phase, it became tangible: The 26-year-old playmaker received the “non-exclusive franchise tag” from the franchise. In plain language, this means that Jackson has been secured for another year – for the fixed amount of 32.41 million US dollars.
But the professional can freely negotiate with other teams regarding an even better endowed or very long-term contract in the upcoming free agency. The Ravens then have the guaranteed opportunity to take up this offer themselves on the terms offered by the competition – or to give Jackson up. Then they would get two first round picks.
The coming days will show how the AFC North organization will regulate this cause and whether anyone will bid at all.
The merry-go-round of the NFL continues to turn tirelessly in these exciting offseason days. Because in addition to the fact that Jackson is still a Ravens player for the moment, Derek Carr, who was sacked by the Las Vegas Raiders, recently decided to join the New Orleans Saints. The draft in April is also casting its shadow – and Packers playmaker Aaron Rodgers is currently negotiating with the New York Jets regarding a possible entry in the Big Apple.
