The Baltimore Ravens are facing a standoff with their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. According to a recent interview on ESPN’s Rich Eisen Show, Jackson plans to act as his own agent to maximize his earnings in negotiations with the team. ESPN NFL Analyst, Louis Riddick, provided insight into the ongoing negotiations, noting that while Jackson is looking to maximize his earnings, the Ravens are looking to minimize the risk to the club while negotiating the best deal for the player.
Former NBA player and ESPN analyst suggest that Lamar Jackson‘s unconventional approach to representation is hindering his contract negotiations with the Baltimore Ravens.
Lamar Jackson influenced by Deshaun Watson’s contract
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Jackson’s demands have reportedly been influenced by Deshaun Watson’s guaranteed contract with the Cleveland Browns, which he is using as a comparable. However, Riddick warned that this could only make the situation more challenging as the summer progresses.
Update: #Ravens QB Lamar Jackson isn't demanding a fully-guaranteed contract, per @JFowlerESPN
He "just wants the guaranteed portion of it be larger than [Deshaun] Watson's." pic.twitter.com/scbzZFw5WR
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 30, 2023
Despite this, Riddick stated that Jackson does not believe the contract can be used against him as a player and that he has nothing in his background that could pose a risk to the team.
While the specifics of Jackson’s contract remain unknown and rumors of a trade abound, it is still possible for both parties to come to a mutually beneficial agreement. With open communication and a willingness to compromise, a positive resolution can be reached.
Riddick suggested that Jackson has requested a trade and may be looking to leave Baltimore.
Former NBA player questions Lamar Jackson’s contract negotiations
Lamar Jackson, the former MVP quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has not yet received a contract because he is bypassing the typical NFL negotiation system and is not represented by a traditional agent, according to Jalen Rose, a former NBA player, and current ESPN analyst. Jackson’s mother is reportedly representing him, but she is difficult to contact.
Rose believes that Jackson’s approach to negotiating his own contract goes against the traditional way of doing things in the NFL.
He also referenced Deshaun Watson, who has a large contract despite not winning any games for his team. This, in Rose’s opinion, highlights the importance that the NFL places on talent over other factors.
Rose asked sarcastically, in a conversation, “How many games did Deshaun Watson win for the Browns?” and received the reply, “Zero.”
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Jackson’s talent will eventually lead to him receiving the contract he deserves, regardless of how he is negotiating it, per Jalen Rose.
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Jackson stands by his principles, and the standoff with the Ravens is likely to intensify as summer progresses. The team wants a deal that benefits both parties, while Jackson aims to maximize his earnings. The outcome remains uncertain, but the situation is heating up quickly.
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