The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly set to franchise-tag Lamar Jackson for the second straight time - a move that could anger their prized asset who made it clear he wants a long-term deal if he is to remain on the team.
It would be the second straight season that Jackson has been tagged, in a move that he has no control over should the team opt to do so - that would keep him with the team for one more season on a higher salary.
Every year, each NFL team has the option to exercise the franchise tag on one player - which allows them to keep a player on its team who is out of contract for an additional year, whilst buying time to negotiate a longer-term contract.
Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, NFL insider Ian Rapoport said: "My sense is that Lamar Jackson will get the exclusive franchise tag from the Baltimore Ravens.
"If they sign him to the non-exclusive tag, then someone can sign Jackson to an offer sheet and get him with two first-round picks.
"However if it's an exclusive franchise tag it costs Baltimore more, but if they want to trade him then they can set their own price - which would be more than two first-rounders."
Jackson reportedly does not want to play on the tag as he did in 2022, and could even hold out of the team if no contract is agreed.
This is an option for players - to sit out games in the hopes of being given a new contract - such as Le'Veon Bell, Kam Chancellor and Darrelle Revis have opted to do in recent years.
However, the Ravens have already made it clear that they view Jackson as their starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, and believe that feeling is mutual.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta held an end-of-season press conference and said: "I truly believe Lamar wants to finish his career in Baltimore.”
DeCosta refused to entertain questions about potentially trading Jackson, while he insisted he envisions the quarterback starting for the Ravens in 2023. The GM also added he believes Jackson’s absence down the stretch was strictly to do with his injury rather than contract dispute.
He said: "Lamar was hurt. His unique style as a mobile quarterback and a freaky type of athlete out there on the field, and having a serious knee injury, makes it difficult. I know he was trying to come back."
