Ravens’ Lamar Jackson requests commerce, presents perception into negotiations

A commerce of Jackson–the 2019 NFL MVP–would drastically change the trajectory of Baltimore’s season in 2023 and past. The staff has no QB on the roster who may fill in for Jackson if his request for a commerce is honored. 

In early March, the Ravens placed on Jackson a non-exclusive franchise tag, giving him the flexibility to barter with different groups in addition to the Ravens on a contract extension. 

Per ESPN, Jackson desires a $231 million assured contract just like the deal Deshaun Watson obtained from the Browns final 12 months. 

Jackson has been on the middle of apparently contentious contract negotiations for greater than a 12 months. 

The commerce request comes after a report that Jackson’s enterprise companion Ken Francis was contacting groups on the QB’s behalf. Francis, nevertheless, just isn’t licensed by the NFL Gamers Affiliation. It’s towards NFL guidelines for him to speak with groups on Jackson’s behalf.

A number of QB-needy groups have publicly introduced their lack of curiosity in negotiating with Jackson. The QB not having an agent, mixed along with his excessive contract demand, may dissuade groups from buying and selling for him. 

Jackson may fetch a big haul on the commerce market. Offers for Watson and Russell Wilson concerned two or extra first-round picks and a number of second-day picks. 

With the 2023 NFL Draft (April 27-29) looming, the Ravens should resolve quickly on the way forward for Jackson. 

Jackson introduced his commerce request at just about the identical time that Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh took the rostrum on the annual NFL assembly Monday morning.

Per The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, Harbaugh stated that he won’t touch upon Jackson’s commerce request. 

The Ravens haven’t stated a lot about Jackson’s contract negotiations. Per Pro Football Focus. Harbaugh, nevertheless, stays optimistic that Jackson shall be Baltimore’s QB in Week 1. 

Jackson’s tweet Monday, although, ought to concern Ravens administration. And so the story of the NFL offseason continues.