The Baltimore Ravens made headlines recently by announcing their decision to use the franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson. This move was not entirely unexpected, given Jackson’s impressive performance over the past few seasons, but it has certainly stirred up some controversy among fans and analysts. 

For those who may not be familiar, the franchise tag is a mechanism used in the NFL to retain a player who is set to become a free agent. Essentially, a team can designate one player each year as their “franchise player” and offer them a one-year contract that is worth either the average of the top five salaries at their position or 120% of their previous year’s salary, whichever is higher. The player can choose to sign the offer or hold out in hopes of securing a longer-term deal. 

So, why did the Ravens choose to use the franchise tag on Jackson?

 The answer is simple: he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Since taking over as the team’s starter in 2018, Jackson has been a dynamic playmaker, leading the Ravens to two playoff appearances and earning MVP honors in 2019. He’s still just 24 years old and has the potential to be a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come. 

Of course, there are risks associated with using the franchise tag. For one, it’s a relatively expensive option; Jackson’s tag will be worth around $23 million for the 2021 season. Additionally, it doesn’t provide any long-term security for the player, who could potentially hold out or leave in free agency the following year. There’s also the question of whether or not the Ravens can build a strong enough team around Jackson to make a Super Bowl run. 

In the end, only time will tell if the Ravens’ decision to franchise tag Lamar Jackson was the right move. But one thing is clear: he’s a special talent, and Baltimore is lucky to have him.