Ravens use franchise tag on QB Lamar Jackson

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens placed the franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson on Tuesday, taking the NFL's top potential free agent off the market.

The Ravens made the long-expected move official by using the tag just before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline. Baltimore and Jackson, who doesn't have an agent and is representing himself, have been unable to reach a long-term deal since he became eligible for a contract extension over two years ago. Sources told ESPN last year that Jackson wants a fully guaranteed deal like the one given to Deshaun Watson last year by the Cleveland Browns. Baltimore is against doing so because the team considers the Watson deal an outlier.

The Ravens used the nonexclusive tag on Jackson, sources told ESPN. With the Ravens using the nonexclusive tag, Jackson can engage in contract talks with other teams. If Jackson signs an offer sheet with another team, Baltimore has the right to match the offer to keep him or take two first-round picks as compensation. The nonexclusive tag — which will pay Jackson $32 million this season — is less expensive than the exclusive one (projected at $45 million), which would have allowed the Ravens to control his rights this year.

The six players who have received the franchise tag before Tuesday's deadline:

It isn't clear which teams might be interested in talking with Jackson, but the Atlanta Falcons won't be pursuing him, sources told ESPN's Dianna Russini.

It is also possible that he could remain with the Ravens.

«There have been many instances across the league and in Baltimore when a player has been designated with the franchise tag and signed a long-term deal that same year. We will continue to negotiate in good faith with Lamar, and we are