Former GM Michael Lombardi accuses NFL teams of ‘posturing’ Lamar Jackson to reduce the buyout cost
The Ravens placed Lamar Jackson under the non-exclusive franchise tag on Tuesday.
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Lamar Jackson (Images via SI)
The unsuccessful contract extension talks between the Ravens and Lamar Jackson is the talking point of this NFL off-season. Both parties have failed to reach a middle ground on a deal despite their long negotiations. As a result of the failed contract talks, the Ravens placed the 26-year-old QB under the non-exclusive franchise tag just before the tagging window closed on Tuesday.
By placing Jackson under the non-exclusive tag, the Ravens let the former league MVP quarterback dictate his own market. He is now allowed to negotiate with other teams and the Ravens would have a chance to match that offer or get two first-round draft picks in case they lose him to another team. With Lamar Jackson’s accomplishments, the QB should get multiple offers once the tampering period ends on March 13.
However, even before that period, multiple teams have already gotten out of the competition to sign the QB per multiple reports. Teams like the Falcons, Commanders and the Panthers are allegedly not interested in signing the 2-time Pro Bowl quarterback, even though they all are in desperate need of a starting quarterback.
It seems like Lamar Jackson’s injuries last two seasons are major concerns for the teams, but the former Cleveland Browns GM Michael Lombardi believes that is not the case.
Michael Lombardi calls out NFL teams for posturing Lamar Jackson
Michael Lombardi recently made an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, where he talked about the Ravens’ and Lamar Jackson’s situation ahead of the free agency. During the episode, he said that the teams are lying about not needing the All-Pro QB.
“I think it’s lying season in the NFL right now,” said Lombardi. “Like, how can the Atlanta Falcons with a straight face say that they were all in on Deshaun Watson last year and say they’re not in on Lamar Jackson? How can Carolina say that they’re not in on Lamar Jackson?
Additionally, Lombardi went on to claim that teams are misleading the Baltimore-based franchise so that they can lower the buyout stakes. “You can negotiate a deal. So it could be less than two number ones. And I think that’s what we’re at a posturing mode of the NFL. ‘We’re not interested in Lamar’ frankly, who wouldn’t be? Like I know it’s going to cost a lot of money. I know the guarantees a problem, but there’s still solutions.”
As previously mentioned, if the Ravens lose Lamar Jackson they would get two first-round draft picks from the team that signs him. But if fewer teams are interested, the Ravens might’ve to negotiate a deal without gaining a lot. And Lombardi believes the teams are trying to do exactly that.
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Aravind Raj
(2075 Articles Published)