Will Lamar Jackson stay put in Baltimore and play for the Ravens this season? ProFootballTalk analyst Mike Florio believes that Jackson will stay with the Ravens this season despite receiving the non-exclusive franchise tag.
On "The Rich Eisen Show," Florio predicted Jackson will stay in Baltimore because the Ravens will match any offer Jackson gets with another team:
"I think it's highly unlikely that anyone pursues him to sign through an offer sheet in large part, Rich, because I believe that teams believe the Ravens are likely to match pretty much any offer Lamar Jackson would get. I think after the draft it makes a lot more sense. But even then, even then, there's a belief that the Ravens are ready to match."
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The Ravens placed the tag on Jackson on March 7.
Jackson is set to earn $32.4 million this season. Since he's on a non-exclusive tag, he will be able to negotiate with other teams and if the team offers him a deal, the Ravens will have the chance to match the offer.
If Baltimore declines to match the offer, they will receive two first-round picks in exchange for losing Jackson.
Could a strong 2023-2024 season land Lamar Jackson the long-term contract ge is seeking?
If Lamar Jackson has another MVP-like season in 2023, he might get a more lucrative contract offer from the Ravens.
Per Jackson, he reportedly received a three-year $133 million fully guaranteed contract.
Perhaps Jackson is seeking a contract similar to what the Cleveland Browns awarded Deshaun Watson last offseason when they acquired him via trade. He received a five-year $230 million fully guaranteed deal.
On the field, Jackson has proved he is worthy of a big contract. He has a career record of 45-16 and has led Baltimore to four postseason appearances.
In his five seasons, he has thrown and ran for more than 16,600 yards and accounted for 125 total touchdowns.
One concern for Jackson is his long-term health. He's run the ball over 700 times and has been injured at the end of the season the last two years.
If Jackson can play a full healthy season and perform at an MVP-like level, then maybe he will get a contract that he's seeking.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Mike Florio, ProFootballTalk and "The Rich Eisen Show," and H/T Sportskeeda.
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