Given the fact that the Ravens and Lamar Jackson have struggled to reach a long-term deal for well over a year, coupled with the pressure coming from the NFLPA for Lamar to push for a fully guaranteed deal, there’s little doubt that the franchise tag will come into play. The only mystery is the type of franchise tag that GM Eric DeCosta opts to use (exclusive or non-exclusive) and whether the strategy is to tag and trade Lamar, tag him to continue negotiations or let him play under the tag.
The window to use the franchise tag starts on February 21 and ends on March 7.