Ravens Meet Face-to-Face with Lamar Jackson; Non-Exclusive Tag Looming?

DeCosta and Jackson's careers could be at a crossroads. And ultimately, what happens in the coming hours, days and months threatens to reshape entirely the fate of the Baltimore Ravens as a franchise.

The Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson seem to be at a standstill in contract negotiations on the eve of the deadline for the club to use the franchise tag on the quarterback - and quite possibly the non-exclusive tag, which has its rewards for both parties.

But both parties maybe deserve a sliver of credit for a bit of movement.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that Ravens GM Eric DeCosta met with Jackson face-to-face in Miami recently. No, that obviously did not thaw the iceberg that exists here, with Jackson justifiably eyeing a deal in range of Deshaun Watson's $230 million fully guaranteed Cleveland contract and with the Ravens trying to keep a lid on a long-term deal.

But it's something.

Tuesday marks the deadline for teams to use the franchise tag and that appears to be where we are going here.

And that that point? While it is not clear if the Ravens would use the exclusive or the non-exclusive tag, there are rumors about Baltimore's interest in exploring the latter, as it means that Jackson can shop himself, with the Ravens having the right to either match the offer he receives, or allow him to leave in exchange for two first-round draft picks.

And of course, there are trade rumors that won't go away as well.

This decision is pivotal on so many fronts. Truly, DeCosta's job may be riding on a wise resolution. And Jackson's career could be at a crossroads, too. And ultimately, what happens in the coming hours, days and months threatens to reshape entirely the fate of the Baltimore Ravens as a franchise.

For better or for worse.

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