"Let them deal with the ugly" - Lamar Jackson put on blast for failing to get agent as Ravens prepare franchise tag
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is expected to receive either the franchise or transition tag from the Baltimore Ravens today before the deadline closes.
REPORT: No long term deal for Lamar Jackson
He will be tagged by 4pm.
If exclusive, expectation is Ravens will look to trade Jackson.
If non exclusive, the Ravens believe there’s 2 teams they cannot/will not match (ATL/CHI) https://t.co/6z9b2PaTWn
The two have had differences in their contract talks since last summer, and no long-term deal seems imminent. Jackson is also in a unique position as he doesn't have an agent and represents himself in contract talks.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, who has no agent, reportedly doesn't have a second contract because he's too "immersed" in football. That's all the more reason for him to have an agent, because he should not be playing tonight without a new deal in place. wp.me/pbBqYq-c1i1
Analyst and former NFL linebacker Bomani Jones spoke on his show "Game Theory" and thinks it's Lamar's fault that he didn't get a deal done since he doesn't have an agent.
Jones said:
"Why is the narrative that Lamar Jackson is hurting his contract by being his own agent? People should have never told you all this word narrative. So this is why I believe Lamar Jackson should have an agent and why i think that doing this is hurting him. It's two things. One, the importance of having a manager is you can't call those people motherfu**ers but sometimes somebody has to."
"They are also no matter what a negotiation is going to insult you. The first offer is going to be an insult. I don't think my agent talks to me until the third. If you're Lamar Jackson you only negotiate a contract when you negotiate a contract. How good are you going to be negotiating a contract if you've only literally done it one time in your life, right?"
"So I think that people keep having a relationship with an agent or representative is just this person who pops in and they talk and they get you some money and then you walk out the door and you're like oh I can do that myself. But chances are your time is too precious and you should let somebody else handle that and let them deal with the ugly."
Talking about money with your boss is always gonna be awkward. It's time for Lamar Jackson to get an agent. #anyquestions with @bomani_jones https://t.co/eVP3GWVWc5
Will Lamar Jackson be traded from the Ravens?
Jackson won't hit free agency. Whether it's a franchise tag, transition tag, or non-exclusive tag, the Ravens will try to secure a long-term deal, although it sounds unlikely.
Teams will be able to offer Jackson a deal on the non-exclusive tag, with the Ravens getting the chance to match the offer. If they choose not to, he could sign with another team, although they would have to give up two first-round picks.
If he's franchise tagged, he will be paid the top-five average salary of a quarterback in 2023, and the team could acquire him for less than two first-round picks.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Bomani Jones, Game Theory, and H/T Sportskeeda.