The Baltimore Ravens used the non-exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson on Tuesday.
As a result, Jackson is still free to negotiate with other teams, but the Ravens can match any offer he receives. If they don’t, the team that signs Jackson will have to give up two first-round picks.
Many have decried Jackson’s situation, saying that the former MVP deserves to get paid and that there is possible collusion preventing other teams from showing interest in him.
However, others are also suggesting that it’s finally time for Jackson to hire a true agent after using his mother as representation up until this point.
“All of these people crying for Lamar Jackson – what they should be doing is advising him to get an agent who knows what the hell he is doing,” said Pittsburgh sports radio host Paul Zeise.
“Now more than ever, Lamar Jackson needs an agent,” chimed in Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.
“Get an agent…why would you not have an agent?…who would do that?” said Stugotz from The Dan Le Batard Show.
“If Lamar Jackson had an agent and there was a team interested in giving Lamar Jackson $225M+ in guaranteed money it would leak from Jackson’s camp to create more interest and generate an offer,” said FOX Charlotte’s Will Kunkel.
“I think there’s only 2 QBs in the league who can elevate an inferior roster to the point of contention: Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. That being said, dude needs an agent,” added an Eagles fan.
“Lamar Jackson SHOULD be using an agent. Complicated situation & having a party well versed in negotiating through media would be in his best interest,” added the “Purple For The Win” Vikings podcast. “Think about it. All of the ‘Lamar wants $50M’ and ‘Lamar wants a Fully GTD deal’ is all one-sided. And clearly from the Ravens.”
The Ravens seem to want Jackson back, but only at their preferred price.
They are even willing to let another team possibly set that price, as their decision yesterday made clear.