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As the off-season began for the Baltimore Ravens last week following their divisional loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, their main focus this off-season will be to re-sign pending free agent quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Jackson will be the number one free agent quarterback this off-season and teams will be interested in trading for him if the Ravens decide to franchise tag him.
Jackson and the Ravens tried to hammer out a deal before the season last year but couldn't agree on the numbers. According to analyst Ryan Clark, Jackson turned down a deal from the Ravens that included $133 million in guaranteed money.
The Ravens want to keep Jackson and have resumed contract talks with him.
Ravens GM discusses Lamar Jackson's future with franchise
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbuagh spoke to the media last Thursday about their status with Lamar Jackson.
DeCosta and Harbaugh are both optimistic that Jackson wants to stay in Baltimore and they're confident a deal will get done. He said:
"I truly believe Lamar wants to finish his career in Baltimore. It certainly takes two to tango, but I think Lamar and I have a great relationship. I think we communicate quite often. We spent some time together today as a matter of fact.”
DeCosta went on to add:
"These negotiations ... they all happen differently. Ronnie Stanley's contract took about a year and a half. Mark Andrews' contract took probably three or four days... I told Lamar that, ‘Hey, this thing has been a burden for both of us. I said, ‘But when this thing is over, we are going to feel like a million bucks.’ And that’s truly how I feel.”
If the Ravens and Jackson are unable to come to terms on a long-term deal, they could potentially trade him. A possible exclusive or non-exclusive tag is being considered for Jackson if the Ravens can't extend him. A non-exclusive tag would give the option for the team to trade him, getting some value out of him if they lose him.
It'll be a long, interesting off-season and things could heat up very rapidly as one of the most dynamic players in the NFL could be on the trade block.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit the Baltimore Ravens and H/T Sportskeeda
