Lamar Jackson, the top quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, was given the non-exclusive franchise tag this summer after the two parties failed to reach a long-term agreement. Over two weeks into the new league season, there have been no reports of another team contacting the 2019 NFL MVP despite Jackson’s non-exclusive classification allowing him to talk with other clubs.
When things appeared to be at a stalemate, Jackson said on Twitter on Monday that he had asked the Ravens organization for a trade back in early March. On his Twitter page, Jackson published the following statement:
“A letter to my Fans
“I want to first thank you all for all of the love and support you consistently show towards me. All of you are amazing and I appreciate y’all so much. I want you all to know not to believe everything you read about me. Let me personally answer your questions in regards to my future plans. As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value, any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team win the super bowl. You all are great but I had to make a business decision that was best for my family and I. No matter how far I go or where my career takes me, I’ll continue to be close to my fans of Baltimore Flock nation and the entire State of Maryland. You’ll See me again.”
Jackson has played with the Ravens for five seasons since they selected him with the last choice in the first round out of Louisville in 2018. With Jackson as their starter, the Ravens have a 45-16 record. According to CBS Sports analysis, the 45 victories are tied for the sixth-most by any quarterback in 61 regular-season starts since 1950.
Jackson’s non-exclusive tag means a few extra things in addition to the freedom to bargain with other teams. The non-exclusive designation pays $32.4 million, which is almost $13 million less than the exclusive designation, and the Ravens have the right to match any offer sheet made to Jackson. The Ravens would receive two first-round picks from Jackson’s next team if they choose not to match an offer. A new contract between the Ravens and Jackson has apparently not yet been reached in large part due to guaranteed money. We’ll see if another team steps forward to pay Jackson what he feels he is worth.
Jackson switching teams would be unusual. He is 26 years old and received the MVP award in 2019. Jackson would be the NFL’s youngest player ever to switch teams after winning an MVP award.
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