The Falcons and every team with a need at the quarterback position will be on the phone calling the Ravens if Lamar Jackson becomes available. It’s still hard to imagine the 26-year-old MVP outside of Baltimore, but as this situation lingers, that scenario becomes more realistic, and it seems the driving force behind a potential split surrounds guaranteed money.
Deshaun Watson and the Browns angered a ton of powerful people when the two sides agreed on a record-breaking, fully guaranteed $230 million contract. Moreover, Lamar Jackson declined a six-year offer with $133 million fully guaranteed, which would be more than Russell Wilson and Kyle Murray’s respective guarantees. ESPN’s Chris Mortenson reported that Jackson could’ve earned over $290 million with an average annual value exceeding Wilson’s $48.5 million AAV, which he declined.
It seems Jackson isn’t going to budge on his demands, and the Ravens aren’t inclined to acquiesce. An inevitable split could be on the horizon, and Peter King’s Football Morning in America detailed a potential avenue for both sides and any potential trade partners.
“… a significant likelihood that the Ravens may use the non-exclusive franchise tag for Jackson. If he agrees to a contract with another team, the Ravens could match it or be awarded two first-round picks (or a different deal the two teams could negotiate) if the Ravens do not match it.”
A non-exclusive franchise tag would allow Lamar Jackson to negotiate a deal with a new team, potentially the Falcons. The Ravens would then be able to match that new contract offer or refuse and be rewarded with two of Atlanta’s first-round picks.
It limits the haul the Ravens could receive in any potential trade, though. Cleveland sent Houston three first-round picks, a third, and a fourth for Watson. Denver sent Seattle three players, two first-round picks, two second-rounders, and a fifth for Wilson. That’s a lot more than just two first-rounders.
Still, it might be the path the organization chooses. Baltimore could see a situation where Lamar Jackson negotiates with other teams and the guarantees still aren’t close to what he wants. Jackson could then see the Ravens, who have built an entire offense and team around him and are ready to win, as the best choice.
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