Lamar Jackson Will Get Ravens Franchise Tag If No New Contract Reached, Newsome Says

Whether the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson are able to agree to a long-term extension this offseason remains to be seen. But one thing became clear on Monday—the dynamic quarterback isn't going to hit free agency.

"Today and up until 3:30 tomorrow, a lot of energy will be utilized in trying to get a deal done," Ravens executive vice president Ozzie Newsome said on The Bernie Kosar Show Monday (h/t ESPN's Jamison Hensley). "If not, we will put the franchise tag on him."

The ongoing contract stand-off between Jackson and the Ravens is the biggest storyline of the NFL offseason, and was one of the biggest stories heading into the 2022 season, too. Baltimore's leverage is the ability to use the franchise tag the next two seasons, though at $32.4 million this year and a far larger figure next year, it isn't exactly the cheapest leverage.

Jackson, meanwhile, could simply sit out until he gets a long-term deal or can attempt to force a trade.

However it plays out, the Ravens have had ample time to plan their approach to the situation.

"It's not like we didn't know we might be in this position," general manager Eric DeCosta told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday regarding Jackson's situation. "Last year at this time, we talked about it, so we've had a full year to really discuss all the different plans. We'll make the right decision."

Losing Jackson would be brutal. The 26-year-old has already been a two-time Pro Bowler and the 2019 MVP. Injuries limited him to 12 games in 2022, though he still threw for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 62.3 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 764 yards and three scores.

Few offensive players in football are more dynamic, and the team's entire offensive scheme has been built around his unique ability. There's little doubt his contract situation has hung over the franchise for the past year, however, and some clarity on his future this offseason would be ideal.

The franchise tag won't provide it. But it will keep Jackson off the free agent market and buy the two sides more time—until July 15, to be precise—to hammer out a long-term deal.