The Ravens’ decision to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on Lamar Jackson opens the door for other teams to negotiate with the star quarterback. However, a slew of reports have emerged indicating that several QB-needy franchises are not looking to bring him aboard.
The immediate and public nature in which teams seem to be shooting down the prospect of adding the former NFL MVP to their ranks has some fans and players asking questions, including former Cardinals and Texans star defensive end JJ Watt.
Watt took to Twitter to pose the question that was weighing on many minds amid the influx of reports indicating teams were out on Jackson.
“Why are all of these teams so publicly ‘out’ on Lamar Jackson, an MVP winner in his prime at the most important position in the entire NFL? What am I missing here?” asked Watt via Twitter.
Despite having relative uncertainty at the quarterback position, teams such as the Falcons, Commanders, Panthers and Raiders reportedly have indicated they’re not in the market for Jackson.
In order to acquire Jackson, a team would need to agree to terms on an offer sheet with him. If the Ravens don’t match that offer, Jackson then could be signed at the cost of two first-round draft picks.
Watt, like many others, is struggling to understand why these teams are not only out on Jackson, but apparently making their position public as well. It’s one thing to not express interest in a player, but these teams appear to have gone out of their way to indicate they have no intention of making an offer for the 26-year-old.
Watt wasn’t the only one to express his concerns over the situation. Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu also voiced his frustration via Twitter, and ex-quarterback Robert Griffin III weighed in, too.
The Ravens have indicated their intention to continue negotiations with Jackson in hopes of reaching an agreement on a long-term contract extension. Under the non-exclusive franchise tag, Jackson would be due $32.41 million in 2023.
