Lamar Jackson is not sticking around in Baltimore for a non-exclusive franchise tag. He stands to earn $32.416 million if he stays. However, the quarterback refuses to budge from his demand to sign what could be the biggest guaranteed contract signing in NFL history. And Lamar is doing it all himself, without the help of an agent. However, Action Jackson stated earlier that his mother acts as his agent for the NFL. And, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal thinks that the 2019 MVP would do much better with proper representation.
It’s not just the quarterback who is actively involved in his contract talks. Lamar has his mother Felicia Jones acting as the official representation. And the Hall of Famer Laker thinks that puts the quarterback at a major disadvantage because of the disparity in available information.
Are Lamar’s demands fair?
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Former New York Jets receiver Brandon Marshall and 2x Super Bowl champion LeSean McCoy hosted the 4x NBA Champion on the ‘I Am Athlete’ podcast. And the Lamar Jackson conversation inevitably came up. Especially after the quarterback set the internet on fire this bygone week by setting the record straight. Action Jackson officially announced that he wanted out of the Baltimore Ravens after the organization failed to arrive at his desired guaranteed amount.
ALSO READ: Lamar Jackson Teases Vengeance to All the Teams Who Passed on Signing Him
Lamar tweeted, a few weeks ago about turning down a $133 million three-year guaranteed contract from the Ravens. And clearly, the former Heisman winner has his eyes set on a $230 million guaranteed contract that the Browns offered Deshaun Watson last year. However, many in the NFL community don’t think the Ravens will shell out that kind of money for an injury-prone QB despite the dual-threat potential.
133/3years fully guaranteed😒 but I need a agent? 🤣🤦🏾♂️
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 14, 2023
in regards to my future plans. As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value, any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023
More than the monetary demands, Shaquille O’Neal thinks that the lack of an agent poses a bigger problem for the Louisville star. “I understand that he’s trying to do the contract himself, I commend that. But sometimes, we don’t have all the information,” Shaq said.
Shaq thinks Lamar Jackson should get an agent
“I want $150 for five, and it takes my guy to say, ‘we can get $150 for five, but we can get $140 with the option after three, to get even more,’ see what I’m saying? They only give you certain information, but certain people got all that information. You need that person that got that information,” the 7-foot-1 former Purple and Gold center said.
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While Brandon Marshall thinks that Felicia and Lamar are well capable of handling the negotiations, Shaq thinks the Jacksons will fare better with an official agent. “I don’t gotta be in there. Like I want 200 million, and they’re like, man… Oh, okay. Send her in. You don’t have to be in there negotiating,” Shaq added.
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This also aids the quarterback and his mother in navigating the complicated legal terminology involved in contract talks. Something that can be quite dissuading and unconvincing to the layperson. And, maybe, Lamar should pick up some of Shaq’s advice when he negotiates with his future team. For now, the New England Patriots have turned him down. It’s either the Colts or back to Baltimore for Action Jackson.