Lamar Jackson reportedly headed for franchise tag

Pelissero reported that the former MVP QB met with Ravens GM Eric DeCosta in Miami recently, but that the sides remain apart on a deal ahead of Tuesday's franchise tag deadline.

Baltimore must decide between the exclusive and non-exclusive franchise tags, which will affect the future of Jackson's contract negotiations.

Per ESPN, Jackson wants a fully guaranteed contract comparable to what Deshaun Watson received from the Browns. Baltimore, however, is reluctant to offer that because it believes Watson's deal is an outlier.

If it doesn't make a deal by Tuesday evening, Baltimore will place the franchise tag on Jackson, putting his future as a Raven in question. 

The Ravens must choose between the exclusive and non-exclusive tags.  

A  non-exclusive tag would allow Jackson to negotiate with another team. Baltimore could match any deal the QB agrees to with another team. If the Ravens choose not to match, Baltimore would receive two first-round picks from the team.

If a more successful team lures Jackson, the Ravens' compensation could be two first-round picks in the 20s. This would be significantly less compensation than what trades for QBs Russell Wilson and Watson brought their teams in return.

Per Pro Football Talk, an exclusive tag would prevent another team from talking to Jackson or attempting to sign him. Baltimore could still trade him for more than two first-round picks.

But Jackson could refuse to play on the exclusive tag and instead demand a trade with no guarantees the Ravens would get adequate compensation in return. 

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and DeCosta want to keep Jackson, but the team doesn't want to overpay.