Ravens QB Lamar Jackson WOULD Play Under Tag Without New Long-Term Contract - Report

Despite reports to the contrary, it is now believed Lamar Jackson would play for the Baltimore Ravens under the franchise tag if necessary.

The Baltimore Ravens surprised a lot of people by placing the non-exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson ahead of the NFL's new league year.

And it was a move that many felt signaled the end of Jackson's time with the Ravens organization.

It would be a sad, almost pitiful, ending if it happened.

Seeing a separation of the two after five seasons in which Jackson won an NFL MVP, led Baltimore to three winning seasons and four playoff games would leave an empty sort of feeling for most.

With Jackson's contract seemingly at the center of the conflict, many expect the quarterback will either agree to a long-term deal with another team or hold out against the tag to force the Ravens' hand.

It seems now, however, that is not the case.

Asked in an interview about Jackson's situation NFL Insider Josina Anderson stated that she's been told the quarterback would in fact play on the franchise tag if that's where the situation led him.

"I asked that question ... would he play on the tag," Anderson said. "I was told, 'yes'...At the end of the day Lamar wants to be out there, and I think he's also very keenly aware of the fan base and all these other things, and his own internal love for being out there...I do feel like that the desire to be on the field and his love still for the game will still supersede a principal."

While many have focused on Jackson's rumored desire to have a fully guaranteed contract, the actual line drawn appears to be more about making more than Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.

After being traded from the Houston Texans last offseason, Watson signed a five-year $230 million deal with the Browns, all of which is guaranteed. 

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