Lamar Jackson Has Started Posting And Liking Cryptic Messages On Social Media Ahead Of Today's Franchise Tag Deadline

Welp! Three hours to go and this is where we're at. We saw this franchise tag outcome coming from 1,000 miles away, despite the Ravens saying throughout that they were going to do everything in their power to get something done ahead of this deadline.

Well.. it certainly doesn't look like its getting done. Far from it. Which anyone could have predicted if they'd read through the tea leaves, but it's still sad it's come to this.

I'm not sure if Lamar truly thought something was going to come along at the final hour here. What I'm worried about is that he's been given word that he will be given the non-exclusive tag, and that's what the cryptic like of the "change your environment" tweet is about. I hope that's not the case. But if it is, things look especially ominous. GM's and owners are probably touching up their powerpoints and packing their checkbooks as we speak in anticipation of such a possibility. Two 1st round picks for a franchise QB? Easy price to pay for a guy like Lamar.

Handing over negotiating power to 31 other teams is rife with risk. A team could theoretically front-load a contract offer to Lamar that would keep the Ravens from having any ability to match it cap-wise. And we all know a haul of two 1st rounders is hardly what the guy is worth. Guess we'll just have to hold our breath until 4 PM…