The Baltimore Ravens announced Tuesday that they were designating Lamar Jackson as their franchise player, preventing him from becoming an unrestricted free agent this month after the expiration of his rookie contract.
The #Ravens have officially franchised tagged QB Lamar Jackson, giving him the non-exclusive tag. pic.twitter.com/MXzOHvJbWI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2023
According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, Jackson was receiving the nonexclusive version of the franchise tag.
“There have been many instances across the league and in Baltimore when a player has been designated with the franchise tag and signed a long-term deal that same year,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement.
“We will continue to negotiate in good faith with Lamar, and we are hopeful that we can strike a long-term deal that is fair to both Lamar and the Ravens. Our ultimate goal is to build a championship team with Lamar Jackson leading the way for many years to come.”
The deadline to apply the franchise tag is 4 p.m. Eastern. The Ravens were always expected to use the tag if they didn’t reach a long-term deal with Jackson first.
The team and its star quarterback can continue negotiating now, although the nonexclusive tag means he can negotiate with other teams, too.