Ravens Risk: Lamar Jackson On Non-Exclusive Tag - $250 Million Guaranteed Contract from New Team?
It seems to be the opinion of Lamar Jackson that he has earned a Deshaun Watson-level contract - that is, $250 million over five years fully guaranteed.
Is that right? Wrong? Fair? Unfair? Too much? Not enough?
There is one way to find out: Let Lamar go "semi-free.''
No, "semi-free'' is not an official NFL franchise tag designation. But the "non-exclusive tag'' is. By now, Ravens fans likely understand the ramifications of that, but just in case ...
The non-exclusive tag allows Jackson to shop his services, and allows the marketplace to set the price. Does Baltimore not wish to pay the QB $50 million APY fully guaranteed and long-term? Fine ...
Allow Lamar to see if another team is willing to do so.
If that other team steps up with whatever the market's "best offer'' is? Lamar gets educated as to his value. And Baltimore, trying to get to the business of roster-building, either matches the offer and retains him ...
And nets two first-round draft pick from Jackson's new employer.
Is there a risk involved? Maybe only if the Ravens - who are expected to to apply a franchise tag by the March 7 deadline if a deal cannot be reached with Jackson - believe that two first-rounders isn't enough, and that Lamar is worth three first-rounders ...
In which case, maybe he's also worth $250 million fully guaranteed.
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