The Baltimore Ravens are facing a crucial decision as the March 7 deadline for the franchise tag looms large. The team must decide whether to use the tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson, a move that would secure him for at least another season but would come with a hefty price tag. If the Ravens don’t use the tag, Jackson’s future with the team becomes uncertain. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the situation and what it means for the Ravens and their fans.
Why the Franchise Tag Matters
For those unfamiliar with the franchise tag, it’s a tool used by NFL teams to retain their top players for an additional year. The tag places a one-year contract on the player, paying them the average of the top five salaries at their position or 120% of their previous year’s salary, whichever is greater. It gives the team time to negotiate a long-term deal with the player, and it ensures that they don’t lose them to free agency.
The Ravens have used the franchise tag before, most recently on outside linebacker Matthew Judon last season. But using it on Jackson would be a different story. The franchise tag for quarterbacks is significantly more expensive than for other positions, with the projected value for the 2021 season coming in at around $37.7 million. That’s a massive investment, even for a player as talented as Jackson.
What Happens If the Ravens Don’t Use the Tag?
If the Ravens choose not to use the franchise tag on Jackson, his future with the team becomes uncertain. He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract, which pays him a base salary of just over $1.7 million. If the Ravens don’t extend his contract, he’ll become a free agent at the end of the season, and they’ll have to compete with other teams for his services.
The decision not to use the tag would be a risky one for the Ravens, as it would open the door for Jackson to sign with another team. Even if they do manage to negotiate a new contract with him, it’s likely to be a costly one. Other quarterbacks, like Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson, have recently signed deals worth more than $40 million per year, and Jackson’s price tag is likely to be in the same range.
What Does It Mean for the Ravens?
The decision on the franchise tag will have significant implications for the Ravens, both in the short and long term. If they use the tag, they’ll be committing a significant amount of money to Jackson for at least another season, which could limit their flexibility in terms of other roster moves. If they don’t use the tag, they’ll have to negotiate a new contract with him or risk losing him to another team.
In the long term, the decision on Jackson’s future will also impact the team’s overall strategy. If they invest heavily in him, they may have to make tough choices in terms of other players and positions. If they let him walk, they’ll need to find a new quarterback, which is never an easy task.
What Can Fans Expect?
For Ravens fans, the situation with Jackson is a nerve-wracking one. He’s been one of the most exciting players in the league since he arrived in 2018, and he’s led the team to back-to-back playoff appearances. His talent is undeniable, but his future with the team is far from certain.
Fans can expect plenty of speculation and rumors in the coming weeks as the deadline approaches. They’ll also need to be prepared for the possibility of Jackson leaving the team in the future, whether that’s this year or in the years to come. It’s never easy to
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