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Lamar Jackson's future with the Baltimore Ravens remains uncertain as the NFL's franchise tag window officially opened yesterday. It is believed that the Ravens will look to franchise tag Jackson as so far no progress has been made toward an agreement on a contract extension.
While many agree on the Ravens franchise tagging Jackson, Nick Wright believes that it would be a foolish idea for the franchise. Instead, he has urged the Ravens to trade Jackson and cash in on his trade value, which is quite high presently.
Here's what Nick Wright said on "First Things First:"
"The clock is ticking and the moment you franchise tag Lamar for 45 million, now his per-year price starts at 45 million and if you wait a year, next year it starts at 55 million per year, he thinks he deserves around 200 million plus guaranteed."
Wright continued:
"The Ravens don't, they're not going to agree. So, they should trade him, they can get a ton back for him right now. But the longer they wait, the less thing get back for him because it's closer to him just being an actual free agent."
He added:
"So I believe they're gonna have to trade him, I don't think he's gonna agree to the franchise tag and I think even if he does agree to the franchise tag, you have to be terrified."
If the Baltimore Ravens don't trade or extend Lamar Jackson, it will further damage the quarterback's market value. There's a chance Jackson won't be fully committed to the organization if he plays under the franchise tag because he doesn't want to endanger his long-term career in the league.
Nick Wright is certainly right as right now teams around the league would be willing to break the bank in order to trade for Jackson, but the story won't be similar next offseason.
NFL Trade Rumors 2023: Atlanta Falcons heavily interested in Lamar Jackson
Multiple teams will be more than eager to trade for Lamar Jackson if they are presented with an opportunity and the Atlanta Falcons are rumored to be the frontrunners.
The Falcons play in a very weak NFC South division, and they have exciting young talent on offense like Kyle Pitts and Drake London who would love to play with Jackson as their quarterback.
The Falcons would be interested in trading a couple of first-round picks to get Jackson out of Baltimore, and that is a move that the Ravens can make if they don't trust their quarterback's availability on the field.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit First Things First and H/T Sportskeeda.
