Ravens 'Hopeful,' Accept Risk on Lamar Jackson Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag

The Baltimore Ravens opted to use the non-exclusive tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson … and are now walking a tight rope entering free agency.

The Baltimore Ravens' long-awaited franchise tag decision on quarterback Lamar Jackson is in.

According to NFL Network, the Ravens placed the non-exclusive tag on Jackson ... and are now at risk of losing the 2019 Most Valuable Player.

By using the non-exclusive as opposed to the exclusive, teams will be able to negotiate with Jackson - and if one delivers an offer that the Ravens simply can't financially match, the cost of a trade is only two first-round picks.

In essence, Baltimore could lose its 26-year-old star signal caller set to enter his prime ... for the return of a measly two top draft picks.

The Ravens are playing with fire, opting to get Jackson on a cheaper deal ($32 million as opposed to the $45 million exclusive tag) for the time being but opening the floor for other teams to either drive a higher price or even acquire the former All-Pro.

Still, in the midst of uncertainty, the Ravens remain "hopeful" to give Jackson a long-term contract, per general manager Eric DeCosta.

"We will continue to negotiate in good faith with Lamar, and are hopeful that we can strike a long-term deal that is fair to both the Lamar and the Ravens," DeCosta said in a statement.

Citing that many teams, including the Ravens, have given players the franchise tag and parlayed it into a long-term deal, DeCosta reiterated his mission for the negotiation process.

"Our ultimate goal is to build a championship team with Lamar Jackson leading the way for many years to come," DeCosta said.

But now, that goal becomes a lot less clear - and there's a chance other teams get the opportunity to "build a championship team" with Jackson at the helm.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter at @DFlickDraft

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