The biggest questions following Lamar Jackson's trade request

PHOENIX — The next step in the saga involving the Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson was taken Monday, when Jackson revealed he requested a trade out of Baltimore on March 2.

In a tweet, the former NFL MVP said the Ravens, who previously placed the nonexclusive franchise tag on Jackson, have «not been interested in meeting my value.»

Speaking at the NFL's annual league meeting in Phoenix on Monday, Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said «I don't know what direction it's going to go» in regard to the negotiations, and also said of Jackson: «That's the guy I want to see be our quarterback.»

Jackson — who is reportedly seeking a long-term contract with a guarantee in the neighborhood of the $230 million the Cleveland Browns gave Deshaun Watson last year — had the nonexclusive franchise tag placed upon him by the Ravens on March 7. The tag allows Jackson to negotiate with other teams.

If he signs an offer sheet with another team, Baltimore would have five days to either match it or receive two first-round picks as compensation. If there is no offer sheet, Jackson would earn $32.416 million this season — if he plays under the tag.

Though Monday's statements were new, the impasse between player and team in negotiations is not. So what exactly has changed? Let's look at the most pressing questions.

Not much. The Ravens own Jackson's rights under the franchise tag and have the upper hand in negotiations until another team shows interest in Jackson. But Jackson might think the perception that Baltimore will match any offer sheet has discouraged teams to reach out to him and stopped any market for him to develop.

Jackson's tweet — which was perfectly timed to the start of Harbaugh's media session at the league meetings — is the