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Signs currently suggest that the Ravens will franchise-tag quarterback Lamar Jackson non-exclusive if they are unable to sign him long-term.
That would allow other teams to negotiate with Jackson and sign him on an offer sheet. If the Ravens didn’t match the bid sheet, they would receive two first-round draft picks from Jackson’s new team.
Some believe Jackson would love to return to his hometown of Miami and play for the Dolphins. Given coach Mike McDaniel’s ability to devise game plans that make the most of his players’ talents, Jackson could very well work as a runner and passer in Miami’s attack.
But there is a problem. The Dolphins have no first-round pick in 2023 thanks to the manipulative investigation and sanctions that result from a failed attempt to lure coach Sean Payton and quarterback Tom Brady to Miami.
There is another way to skin the cat. If Jackson does not sign an offer sheet with another team before the draft, the Dolphins could sign Jackson on an offer sheet after the draft. Then, if the Ravens don’t fit, Baltimore would get Miami’s first-round picks in 2024 and 2025.
Before the Ravens would be able to fold or hit a pair of first-round picks, Jackson would have to negotiate a multi-year offer hand with a new team. So far he hasn’t managed to do that with the Ravens.
When the Ravens apply the non-exclusive franchise tag to Jackson, they will invite every other team to do what the Ravens couldn’t get Jackson to do. If the Dolphins wait for the 2023 draft to come and go, they’ll have an opportunity to try — if they want.