Why is Lamar Jackson not allowed to meet with teams? Exploring NFL's latest negotiating rules

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson received a non-exclusive franchise tag from the team earlier this week, right before the deadline closed on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.

Baltimore Ravens

@Ravens

We have used the franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson.

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We have used the franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson. https://t.co/AHrqyCgcAI

Since he received the non-exclusive tag, teams can send the Ravens an offer sheet for a contract. The Ravens can do two things if the team submits an offer. They can either match the offer and retain Jackson or decline the offer and receive two first-round picks in return.

While Jackson will be able to negotiate with other teams, he won't be allowed to meet with them until Wednesday, March 15, when the new league year begins. Other unrestricted free agents will be able to speak with teams on Monday, March 13, when the tampering period begins.

Per the NFL memo:

"For the avoidance of doubt, the Two-Day Negotiating Period applies only to prospective UFAs. It does not apply to players who have received, or who may receive, a Required Tender applicable to the 2023 League Year (e.g., Exclusive Rights Players, Restricted Free Agents, Franchise Players or Transition Players.)"

Tom Pelissero

@TomPelissero

Here’s the full NFL memo with rules for the two-day negotiating period that begins at noon ET Monday for unrestricted free agents — including a reminder no contact is allowed with the player until 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, with limited exceptions for players who don’t have agents.

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Here’s the full NFL memo with rules for the two-day negotiating period that begins at noon ET Monday for unrestricted free agents — including a reminder no contact is allowed with the player until 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, with limited exceptions for players who don’t have agents. https://t.co/CwcmUL2vJt

How much will Lamar Jackson earn in 2023 and will he be traded?

Denver Broncos v Baltimore Ravens

If Jackson plays on the non-exclusive tag this season, he will earn $32.4 million this season.

So far in five seasons, Jackson has earned $27.5 million in his NFL career.

He signed a four-year $9.47 million rookie deal with a $4.97 million signing bonus. The team picked up his fifth-year option last season, which paid him $23 million. While $32.4 million is a lot to make, Jackson wants a higher number on a long-term deal.

He reportedly turned down a deal from the Ravens before last season that included over $133 million in guarantees.

Chris Mortensen

@mortreport

Sources: Lamar Jackson rejected a Ravens' 6-yr contract offer with $133 million fully guaranteed at signing, which is more than Russell Wilson ($124 million) and Kyler Murray ($103.3 million) but well short of the $230 million fully guaranteed deal that Deshaun Watson got.

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Sources: Lamar Jackson rejected a Ravens' 6-yr contract offer with $133 million fully guaranteed at signing, which is more than Russell Wilson ($124 million) and Kyler Murray ($103.3 million) but well short of the $230 million fully guaranteed deal that Deshaun Watson got.

Jackson is still seeking a long-term deal with more guaranteed money and could be seeking a deal similar to Deshaun Watson's five-year $230 million.

As of now, there are many rumors that a lot of QB-needy teams aren't interested in Jackson. We'll see if that's the same case by next Wednesday.

If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Tom Pelissero, the NFL, and H/T Sportskeeda

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