The Baltimore Ravens slapped Lamar Jackson with a non-exclusive franchise tag just before the deadline Tuesday. Unlike a typical franchise tagging, Jackson is not off the market. Instead, teams will have to send Baltimore two first-round picks should they agree to terms with Jackson on an offer the Ravens fail to match.
It wasn’t long ago the idea of Jackson making it to free agency was just a fantasy. He’s not technically going to be a free agent, given the circumstances, but as far as I’m concerned he’s not not going to, either.
Two firsts is a steep cost, but the Lions hold the Los Angeles Rams’ sixth overall pick this year, which makes giving up Detroit’s 18th overall pick much more palatable.