One week into the NFL’s free agent signing interval, the Baltimore Ravens have acquired zero presents for Lamar Jackson. The Ravens slapped the non-exclusive franchise tag on the previous league MVP, which permits different groups to make him a suggestion that Baltimore can match. So far, all is quiet on the house entrance, which feels odd.

With all these groups that must improve the quarterback place, having nobody step up but is solely astonishing. The ‘C’ phrase will get thrown round, however the best way this has performed out thus far seems like collusion is within the air. Some will assume that’s far-fetched, however we already know some NFL homeowners weren’t pleased when the Cleveland Browns traded for and signed DeShaun Watson to a assured $230 million contract that’s totally assured.

In an article by NFLPA Government Director DeMaurice Smith, launched final week, he acknowledged the next about assured contract construction regarding franchised gamers:

“For instance, the totally assured construction for franchised gamers within the NFL CBA was created exactly as a result of we as a union know that homeowners have colluded previously – and would possibly do it once more, as they’re doubtlessly doing proper now— in relation to extremely sought-after gamers. So for these individuals on the market who chant the ability of a legendary NFL “free market” — the market that might supposedly work to safe the very best and greatest contracts with no draft as a result of all of the homeowners wish to win simply the identical — get up and take a look at a market that’s alleged to be however isn’t, and groups that ought to be doing every part to win however don’t.”

It’s been reported that Jackson is in search of a large deal that rivals or exceeds that of Watson’s in Cleveland. NFL homeowners desperately wish to keep away from this turning into the norm. Had it been nearly some other QB in Watson’s place, it might not have been as surprising to see that sort of cash handed over. However this time a yr in the past, Watson was within the midst of coping with greater than 20 sexual assault/harassment civil lawsuits and hadn’t taken a snap for the reason that 2020 marketing campaign. Whereas Watson has at all times denied any wrongdoing, the Browns leaping on the market and providing up every part was not a superb look.

One other big, assured deal for a QB will not be what NFL homeowners need. Nevertheless, Watson wasn’t the primary QB to snag a completely assured deal from an NFL group. He could have been the primary to interrupt the financial institution in such a fashion, however Kirk Cousins was properly forward of the curve when he signed with Minnesota in 2018 on a three-year, $84 million totally assured contract. That’s nonetheless some huge cash, but it surely isn’t $200 million plus in assured funds. And talking of the Vikings, it’s been reported by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN that Minnesota may emerge as a darkish horse to land Jackson.

It looks as if Jackson will accept nothing lower than what he feels he’s price. And since he’s representing himself, this contract negotiation may drag on for much longer than anybody anticipated. NFL homeowners will do no matter it takes to make sure assured contracts price properly over $200 million totally assured aren’t given out back-to-back offseasons.

Inserting the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson was a strategic transfer by the Ravens. Since they will match any supply, one other group would probably want to supply way more than they’d really wish to pay to make sure Baltimore doesn’t counter. The entire thought of this non-exclusive tag has collusion seemingly constructed into the deal. These homeowners are enterprise companions and can take drastic measures to look out for one another’s pursuits. Look no additional than Colin Kaepernick. And the identical goes for Daniel Snyder’s scenario. Most, if not all, homeowners need him out however don’t essentially need it to be on them to make that call.

Relating to participant contracts, nonetheless, all people is on the identical web page. They at all times have been. QB contracts have already blown up over the previous decade, and guaranteeing them fully at such a steep price ticket will not be a bridge most homeowners are keen to cross proper now.