Lamar Jackson can dodge defenders, but he couldn’t escape the non-exclusive franchise tag. The Ravens officially announced on Tuesday that they have used this option to retain their quarterback for one more year.
This tag guarantees Jackson a salary of $32.4 million for the upcoming season. This tag does not prevent other franchises from negotiating with him, but allows the Ravens to match offers. In addition, the other teams will have to give up two first-round picks if they get the quarterback. He and his executives now have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term contract that would replace that tag.
As a reminder, Jackson is one of the very small handful of NFL players who do not have an agent to represent them. He therefore discusses his future directly with the leaders of the Ravens.
Last season, number 8 started the season like a cannonball before slowing down quite considerably. He finished the season with 17 touchdowns and 7 passing interceptions in 12 games. On the ground, he covered 764 yards and scored three touchdowns, statistics almost similar to those of the previous one.
