If the Baltimore Ravens thought that negotiations were contentious between them and star quarterback, Lamar Jackson then hold on to your hats, it’s about to get worse.
The Ravens put the non-exclusive tag on Jackson. That means if another team signs him, they will owe Baltimore two first-round picks.
Here’s the problem. When if no one signs him?
It becomes a two-pronged issue.
There’s no way the relationship is salvageable between the two parties. It couldn’t get to this point. Do you want to bring Jackson back into the locker room? With each ding, will Jackson sit out especially when you consider how the players expressed frustration with Baltimore’s strength coaches?
The next problem could come from the NFLPA. If Jackson doesn’t get a credible offer, there’s no doubt in my mind that the NFLPA will cry “collusion” by the NFL owners in response to the Cleveland Browns’ contract with DeShaun Watson.
That could lead to the latest set of legal maneuvers between the two parties. As much as the NFL’s profits continue to rise, the power to price-fix is a very real issue in the league.
The Ravens’ inability to come up with a long-term deal with Jackson could ruin what has been a very good reputation for the franchise.
