Report: Lamar, Ravens remain apart on deal; franchise tag likely

Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta and quarterback Lamar Jackson met recently in Miami in hopes of working out a contract extension but remain apart on an agreement, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

The situation appears to be headed toward a franchise tag by Tuesday's deadline, Pelissero adds.

The two sides have been in negotiations for over a year with no end in sight. Jackson is reportedly looking for a deal close to Deshaun Watson's five-year, $230-million fully guaranteed contract and turned down a five-year, $250-million contract with $133 million guaranteed in September.

The exclusive franchise tag would restrict Jackson from speaking with other teams and allow the Ravens to trade him if they can't agree on a long-term contract. The non-exclusive tag would give other teams the go-ahead to negotiate a contract directly with Jackson and ensure Baltimore would receive two first-rounders if the Ravens don't match any agreed-upon deal.

Jackson has been with the Ravens since being drafted in the first round in 2018. The former first-team All-Pro has gone 46-15 in 61 career starts.

The 26-year-old is set to hit free agency on March 13 if he doesn't receive the franchise tag.

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