Who you with — superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson or the Baltimore Ravens organization?
Which party has more incentive to lie or stretch the truth about their contract impasse? Is the deadlock mainly because Jackson doesn’t have an agent or because the NFL doesn’t want a trend?
Regarding the latter, team owners were pissed last year when Cleveland gave quarterback Deshaun Watson $230 million in an unprecedented, fully guaranteed contract. They aren’t thrilled about Jackson receiving likewise from Baltimore — or any other team.
The Ravens could’ve secured Jackson’s services next season with a $45 million exclusive franchise tag. But the team used the non-exclusive tag that will pay Jackson $32 million. It also allows him to negotiate a long-term deal with another team and leave if Baltimore doesn’t match it.
Baltimore took that chance hoping the game is still rigged.
We saw signs of double-dealing right away.
So did NFL Players Association chief DeMaurice Smith, who called out the cheaters last week. “In my nearly 15-year career as executive director, I have never witnessed teams being so quick to publicly announce their lack of interest in an MVP quarterback, who is in his prime and who is going to get an injury guarantee, regardless of his contract,” Smith wrote.
Several teams immediately leaked they would not pursue a deal with Jackson. Some of those teams don’t have a quarterback at all. None have a QB close to Jackson’s caliber. Baltimore risked nothing and saved $13 million if opposing teams agree they won’t be suitors for Jackson.
Such devious coordination comes as no surprise.
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