TRM is right. The Ravens have from 2/25-3/7 and if they do, they own the rights to him, but have to pay him $45MM this year. For example if Jackson doesn't sign his franchise tag until the week before the first game, he can miss the entire preseason and still get paid the $45MM. That is what the Jets RB did. It is NOT a viable situation,
Jackson ISN'T going to get to FA, He's too valuable an asset. If they they don't come to a deal, then the Ravens will trade him and get a couple of first round picks.
But HERE's the problem with trading for Jackson. First you would have to change your offensive system and likely hire an OC from the ravens. 2nd you would have to spend a couple of years changing your offensive personal to fit the Ravens offense and find a Marc Andrews to boot.
Whatever new team spends the draft picks and cap room to get Jackson WILL get plenty of highlight reel film clips, but the question remains WILL they get any playoff wins for their trouble. IIRC this is the 2nd season Lamar didn't play in the playoffs, and his ONE win in 5 seasons isn't much of a resume. If it had been better, he's likely have had his new contract already,