“Trying to Take Leverage Away From Players”: Lamar Jackson Becomes Poster Boy for a Misguided QB Market
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December 22, 2022: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson takes questions after practice at the Under Armour Performance Center. – ZUMAm67_ 0197114675st Copyright: xKimxHairstonx
The Baltimore Ravens have finally shaken the dust as they took one step closer to securing Lamar Jackson. However, it is still not the step that Lamar wished for, as the Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on the Heisman-winning quarterback.
Yes, it comes with a significant cap relief for the franchise but also allows Lamar Jackson to talk with all other interested parties. However, it doesn’t seem like many QB-hungry franchises are interested in acquiring Action Jackson’s services.
The Ravens are winning this transaction for now
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Under the non-exclusive franchise tag, Lamar Jackson will receive $32.4 million in 2023. However, Action Jackson can also sign on another team’s offer sheet. And the Ravens retain the right to either match the offer and keep him or accept the trade in exchange for two future first-round picks.
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For an exclusive contract tag, the Baltimore Ravens would have had to pay the market value of approximately $45 million. And the bet seems to be working for the Ravens as no other teams have openly shown interest in Lamar. Some fans and experts are bewildered.
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Teams aren't pursuing Lamar because of what happened with Watson and Wilson. It's pretty obvious no team wants to fully guarantee a deal for a QB with injury concerns
— Josh Wynne (@Kio__len) March 7, 2023
collusion
— TexasAmerica (@TexasAmerica) March 8, 2023
Rest of the league didn’t like the browns giving that huge contract so now they colluding against Lamar. Smh
— Fernando (@unclenandough) March 8, 2023
He is a running back playing qb what you expect? His mvp year was mostly running the ball wasn't it?
— ✭COWBOYSQUEST 4 SIX✭ (@budltbeer) March 8, 2023
Wrong. Atlanta. NOLA, Carolina were all bidding and Atl was considered the frontrunner right up until his decision.
— Randy Mac (@RandyNBCLA) March 8, 2023
It starts with a C
It ends in ollusion.
Owners are trying to take leverage away from players after Jimmy Haslam empowered his star players with rightfully guaranteed contracts.
Jimmy is forcing the hand of other owners, and they aren’t happy.
— Jared Borg (@JaredBorg) March 8, 2023
“There was an outright bidding war for Deshaun Watson in the midst of a suspension and legal trouble. But now a number of teams, including the still QB-needy ones who missed out on Watson, have no interest in Lamar Jackson? Something is rotten in the NFL, forget Denmark,” Cowboys writer Clarence Hill Jr. expressed on Twitter. Recently retired Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman J. J. Watt also tweeted his confusion.
Why does no one want Lamar Jackson?
“Why are all of these teams so publicly “out” on Lamar Jackson, an MVP winner in his prime at the most important position in the entire NFL? What am I missing here,” J.J. tweeted. According to sources, the Washington Commanders, the Atlanta Falcons, the Raiders, Panthers, and the Miami Dolphins have all decided to not pursue the 26-year-old quarterback.
Why are all of these teams so publicly “out” on Lamar Jackson, an MVP winner in his prime at the most important position in the entire NFL?
What am I missing here?
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 7, 2023
The Atlanta Falcons will not be pursuing QB Lamar Jackson, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 7, 2023
Scott Fitterer certainly will discuss and has discussed Lamar Jackson b/c that's what he does.
But Panthers are not expected to be in the Jackson market, per league sources.— Joe Person (@josephperson) March 7, 2023
If you are wondering if the @Raiders will be involved in Lamar Jackson, the answer is very unlikely.
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) March 7, 2023
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Been trying to gauge league-wide interest in Lamar Jackson since #Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on him.
Washington is a team that, on paper, makes sense (just like the Falcons). But based on what I’m hearing, the #Commanders are not likely to pursue Jackson.
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) March 7, 2023
And that has a lot to do with Lamar’s injuries. The 2019 NFL MVP suffered a Grade 2 pedal ankle sprain in Week 14 of the 2021 season and missed the rest of the season. This season turned out pretty much the same. Action Jackson suffered a Grade 2 PCL sprain in his right knee and missed the last 6 games of the season, including the crucial wild-card round playoff loss against AFC North rivals Cincinnati Bengals.
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Franchise tagging days are over. And with some QBs like Derek Carr already headed for their new journeys, the Ravens and Lamar will either wait for another offer or start their preseason preparations.
WATCH THIS STORY: Former Super Bowl MVP believes Lamar Jackson is more valuable than Aaron Rodgers
Written by:
Edited by:
Deepika Bhaduri