Ravens Use Franchise Tag on Lamar Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens made a big move ahead of the 2021 NFL season by using the franchise tag on their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. The move came as no surprise to many, given Jackson's impressive performance on the field since joining the league in 2018.

For those who may not be familiar with the franchise tag, it's a tool used by NFL teams to keep a player under contract for at least one more season. The tag guarantees the player a salary based on the average of the top five highest-paid players at their position or 120% of their previous year's salary, whichever is greater.

In the case of Lamar Jackson, the Ravens used the non-exclusive franchise tag, which means that he is free to negotiate with other teams, but if he signs an offer sheet with another team, the Ravens have the right to match that offer or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.

So why did the Ravens use the franchise tag on Lamar Jackson? Simply put, he's one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. Since taking over as the Ravens' starting quarterback midway through the 2018 season, Jackson has been a force to be reckoned with. In his first full season as a starter, he led the Ravens to a 14-2 record, won the NFL MVP award, and set an NFL record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season.

While Jackson's passing numbers took a slight dip in 2020, he still managed to lead the Ravens to an 11-5 record and a spot in the playoffs. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he's proven time and time again that he can win games at the highest level.

Using the franchise tag on Jackson gives the Ravens some flexibility in their negotiations with him. They have until July 15th to work out a long-term deal, and if they're unable to do so, Jackson will play the 2021 season under the franchise tag. While the tag comes with a hefty price tag, it's a small price to pay for a quarterback of Jackson's caliber.

In conclusion, the Ravens' decision to use the franchise tag on Lamar Jackson is a smart move. It ensures that they'll have one of the league's top quarterbacks under contract for at least one more season, and it gives them some leverage in their negotiations with him. Whether they're able to work out a long-term deal remains to be seen, but there's no denying that Jackson is a key piece of the Ravens' future success.

The Ravens' decision to use the franchise tag on Lamar Jackson also sends a clear message to the rest of the league that they're committed to building around their young quarterback. Jackson is only 24 years old, and he has already established himself as one of the most exciting players in the NFL. By using the franchise tag on him, the Ravens are saying that they believe he's a cornerstone of their franchise, and they're willing to do what it takes to keep him in Baltimore.

Of course, there are always risks associated with using the franchise tag. For one, it's an expensive proposition. Jackson's franchise tag for the 2021 season is expected to be around $23 million, which is a significant chunk of the Ravens' salary cap. If the team is unable to negotiate a long-term deal with Jackson, they'll need to make some tough decisions about which players to keep and which ones to let go.

There's also the risk that Jackson could suffer a serious injury during the 2021 season, which would make it more difficult for the Ravens to negotiate a long-term deal with him. However, the Ravens have shown that they're willing to take calculated risks in the past, and they seem confident that Jackson will continue to perform at a high level.

All things considered, the Ravens' decision to use the franchise tag on Lamar Jackson is a savvy move that demonstrates their commitment to building a winning team around him. Jackson is a rare talent who can change the course of a game with a single play, and he's still young enough to have many years of elite performance ahead of him. If the Ravens can negotiate a long-term deal with him, they'll have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL locked up for the foreseeable future. And even if they can't, they'll still have a dynamic playmaker under contract for the 2021 season, giving them a shot at another deep playoff run.