Jets have another option at QB as Ravens place non-exclusive franchise tag on Lamar Jackson
As the Jets brass is flying out to California to meet with Aaron Rodgers on Tuesday, they could potentially have another target to solve their quarterback woes.
The Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson. The move was expected as Baltimore and Jackson failed to agree to a long-term deal before the 4 p.m. deadline on Tuesday.
Jackson, who represents himself, has been trying to negotiate a contract extension with the Ravens for over two seasons. According to multiple reports, Jackson wants a fully guaranteed contract similar to the five-year, $230 million the Browns gave Deshaun Watson last year.
“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.”
Although the Ravens didn’t announce this on their website, ESPN is reporting that the team used the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson. Because Baltimore used the non-exclusive tag, Jackson can discuss signing a long-term contract with any of the 31 other teams. If Jackson signs an offer sheet with another team, the Ravens have the right to match it or take two first-round picks in return for the 26-year-old.
If Jackson does not agree on a long-term deal with the Ravens or isn’t traded, the non-exclusive tag would pay him $32 million this season. That is cheaper than the exclusive franchise tag that would have paid him $45 million, as that would have allowed only the Ravens to negotiate with Jackson.
Baltimore and Jackson also have until July 17 to work out a long-term agreement as that is the deadline mandated by the NFL. If Jackson does not agree to a new contract, a deal can’t be agreed upon until after the 2023 season.
During his five seasons in the league, Jackson has been the heart and soul of the Ravens offense. Jackson has a record of 45-16 (.738), the fourth-best of any quarterback in the Super Bowl era, trailing only Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady and Roger Staubach.
Baltimore hasn’t had the same success when Jackson struggled with a variety of injuries the last two seasons. In 12 games without Jackson, the Ravens have a 3-9 record.
It’s unclear what teams would be interested in him, but if things don’t work out with Rodgers, the Jets could turn to Jackson. Jets owner Woody Johnson, head coach Robert Saleh, general manager Joe Douglas and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett flew to California to meet with Rodgers on Tuesday.
It’s unclear if the meeting will result in Rodgers being traded to the Jets as they’re looking for a veteran quarterback after their offense scored 11 points per game during a six-game losing streak to end the year with a 7-10 record.
Rodgers has been considering his future this offseason as he could retire, return to the Packers, or be traded to another team. A few weeks ago, Rodgers returned from a darkness retreat hoping to have more clarity on a decision. However, he said a decision about his future should be made soon.
Who knows how long the Jets will wait for Rodgers, but Jackson presents them with another option for an offense that struggled a year ago. In five seasons, Jackson has thrown for 12,209 yards, 101 touchdowns and 38 interceptions. During that same span, Jackson has won an NFL MVP, been a first-team All-Pro and been named to two Pro Bowls.
Although Rodgers is undoubtedly the Jets No. 1 choice because of his previous relationship with Hackett when he was the offensive coordinator at Green Bay (2019-21), but Jackson is intriguing. Rodgers will be 40 in December and it is unknown how many more seasons he will play. Jackson is 14 years younger and in the prime of his career.
The downside of trading for Jackson is the Jets would have to give up two first-round picks and pay him at least a $300 million contract. Also, his injury history over the last two years has sabotaged the Ravens season.
Jackson has missed 11 games in two years. Before his ankle and knee injuries, the Ravens were leading the AFC North, only to fall out of the division lead and lose to the Bengals in the Wild Card round this year.
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