Baltimore Ravens News: New Development In Lamar Jackson’s Trade Negotiation Ahead Of The Franchise Tag Deadline?

There was a lot of material to cover in contract talks with quarterback Lamar Jackson and a closing window of time to deal with when the Baltimore Ravens‘ top brass attended a season-ending press conference on Jan. 19.

Six weeks later, the negotiations are still mired in confusion, and the atmosphere among the Ravens is only continuing to deteriorate.

New Development In Lamar Jackson’s Trade Negotiation Ahead Of The March 7 Franchise Tag Deadline

Update: Several people around the NFL believe that the #Ravens have strongly considered using the non-exclusive tag on QB Lamar Jackson, per J Fowler of ESPN
That would allow teams to offer Jackson a contract that Ravens can either match or decline in exchange for two 1st-rounders.

According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, Jackson, 26, wants a contract that is comparable to the one the Cleveland Browns handed fellow quarterback Deshaun Watson, but the Ravens are giving him one that is about $100 million less.

Eric DeCosta, general manager of the Ravens, has stated that Jackson should sign a long-term contract.

“I would say a lot of people would say the same thing; it’s a challenging position to evaluate in different ways. If I had an answer, that means I would probably have some better receivers, I guess. We keep trying.”

“Yes, Lamar and I are talking,” DeCosta said. “We met recently. It’s an ongoing discussion. We both understand the urgency of the situation; it’s been a good dialogue, a good discussion. I’m optimistic, as I continue to be optimistic, and we’ll see where it goes.”

The offer is the greatest Baltimore has made, but as of Friday night, according to Anderson, progress has not been made.

Jackson’s team will probably provide the team some input, but it will be difficult for them to change if they haven’t already.

When pressed on the difficulties of the negotiations, DeCosta quietly brought up a persistent problem. Most great quarterback negotiations entail a few pointed exchanges between the general manager and the player’s agent, which move the discussions along as the two sides look for areas of agreement.

Because Jackson is unrepresented, using a direct approach in negotiations is much riskier. The general manager is aware that he may be direct with an agent without harming his connection with the athlete. DeCosta would have to speak those words directly to Jackson in this situation, which may have an effect on how the future of Jackson’s relationship with the front office and coaching staff plays out.

It appears and sounds like the Ravens and Jackson are no closer to reaching a long-term agreement as Tuesday’s franchise tag deadline approaches. Behind the scenes, the two sides are trading leaks that offer various accounts of the sort of bargain Jackson is looking for.

What all of this implies will become clear over the course of the next five days, with Jackson’s franchise tag and accompanying reaction from the organisation likely to offer the final explanation. He will either agree to the tag and enter the summer with the team or he will refuse it and request to be dealt. What seems less likely to happen with each passing day is a last-ditch extension.


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