"You don't have to be in there negotiating" - Lamar Jackson gets advice from NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal
Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens have been at a standstill in contract talks. The star quarterback is seeking one of the largest fully guaranteed contracts in NFL history, and the Ravens are unwilling to budge.
On the "I Am Athlete" podcast, former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall asked NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal what advice he would give Jackson.
Here's what he said:
"I understand that he's trying to do the contract himself, I commend that. But sometimes, we don't have all the information.
"Like I don't know the football terminology but, I didn't have all the basketball information. I want $150 (million) for five, and it takes my guy to say, 'we can get $150 (million) for five, but we can get $140 (million) with the option after three, to get even more,' see what I'm saying?
"Certain people got all that infomation... You need that person that got that information. I don't gotta be in there. You don't have to be in there negotiating. My advice for him is good luck, but I think for a fair advantage, you always have someone that knows what they know."
Will Lamar Jackson play on his $32.4 million non-exclusive franchise tag if he's not traded?
It feels like Lamar Jackson won't be playing this season on the non-exclusive franchise tag. While he could be set to earn $32.4 million guaranteed, Jackson wants long-term security, and with that, comes a big contract extension with a lot more guaranteed money.
Mike Florio reported that Jackson might not suit up for Baltimore this coming season if they don't meet his demands.
"There's a real possibility that Lamar Jackson doesn't show up this year if Baltimore doesn't offer him more money."
"There's a real possibility that Lamar Jackson doesn't show up this year if Baltimore doesn't offer him more money" ~ @ProFootballTalk
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Jackson is still set on getting a contract similar to Deshaun Watson's five-year $230 million deal that is fully guaranteed.
Some think that Jackson is right and that he should demand the same, if not more, money than Watson. Others think that the contract the Cleveland Browns gave Watson was out of desperation, and that Jackson shouldn't compare his contract situation to Watson's.
Regardless, Jackson wants a long-term deal and is doing everything he can to secure it.