It seems that despite reports that Lamar Jackson is representing himself in contract discussions with the Baltimore Ravens, he is actually being aided by a powerful organization for the negotiations.
Lamar Jackson’s future in Baltimore is one of the top stories in the early weeks of the NFL offseason. The 26-year-old has finished out his rookie contract and, technically, will become a free agent on March 15. However, he is not expected to reach the open market and will eventually be franchise tagged by the organization at some point before then.
That is unless the two sides can agree on a new long-term contract to keep the one-time NFL MVP in Maryland for many more seasons. But there is reportedly a massive divide in money that has existed since last year. The star QB allegedly wants record levels of guaranteed money while the Baltimore Ravens are not comfortable with such terms.
Related: Lamar Jacksons camp calls fully-guaranteed contract rumors fake news
Up until now, it has been reported that Jackson was representing himself in the negotiations with the team, however, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Recently, it was revealed by ESPN NFL insider Dianna Russini that the two-time Pro Bowler is receiving assistance in the discussions from none other than NFL Players Association.
“I’m told he is not negotiating alone,” Russini claimed in a Tweet.
The revelation is intriguing and seems to confirm that the NFLPA is as much a part of the divide in contract talks as Lamar Jackson is. Recently, it was reported that the quarterback turned down a $250 million offer from the Baltimore Ravens.
Lamar Jackson stats (2022): 3,006 total yards, 20 TDs, 17 INT, 91.1 rating
However, last week, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith was told by people close to Jackson that he has never asked for a fully-guaranteed contract — which has long been rumored — and that the team offered a guaranteed amount that was well south of $200 million over the length of a recent offer.