The Carolina Panthers and general manager Scott Fitterer are, by admission, in on every deal. But don’t expect them to be in that much on this one.
According to Joe Person of The Athletic, the Panthers are not expected to pursue a deal for 2019 Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens officially placed the $32.41 million non-exclusive franchise tag on the 26-year-old today, opening him up for contract talks with other teams.
Per the non-exclusive tag, Jackson can negotiate and agree to terms on a new pact outside of Baltimore. If that’s ultimately the case, the Ravens will have the opportunity to match the offer and bring Jackson back or allow him to sign with another team in exchange for two first-round draft picks.
Jackson and the Ravens, despite a largely successful relationship on the field, haven’t been in sync off it it. The five-year veteran is seeking a contract on par with what the Cleveland Browns gave Deshaun Watson last offseason, in terms of money and guarantees.
The Panthers, meanwhile, are likely to stay aggressive in trading up for and drafting a rookie quarterback this spring.