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Lamar Jackson is not getting much interest in the free market, and some people believe that there is something fishy going on behind the scenes.
On Tuesday, the Baltimore Ravens announced they were putting the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, who has reportedly asked for a contract similar to the one Deshaun Watson got last season.
The Ravens’ non-exclusive tag would allow Jackson to receive offers from others teams but would allow the Ravens to either match the offer or get two first-round draft picks in return.
Ravens sent notice to the NFLPA that they placed the $32.41 million non-exclusive franchise tag on QB Lamar Jackson. He now is allowed to negotiate with other teams, but Ravens have right to match any offer sheet he signs or take two first-round picks in return for him. pic.twitter.com/HNdg6231tC
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2023
Not long after the Ravens’ announcement, several teams revealed that they were not interested in signing Jackson.
Update: The #Panthers are not expected to pursue #Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, sources told @josephperson
The #Raiders are also unlikely, according to @VinnyBonsignore
We already know the #Falcons aren't on him either, per @diannaESPN pic.twitter.com/EqpLZKi5Bv
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 7, 2023
Teams that reportedly will *not* be pursuing a deal for Lamar Jackson include:
▫️Falcons
▫️Dolphins
▫️Panthers
▫️Commanders
▫️Raiders— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 7, 2023
Fans and media personalities alike believe NFL owners may be colluding against Jackson to limit his pay with another team.
Lamar Jackson is a Unanimous MVP, has lead the NFL in Passing Touchdowns, is 26 years old, is 45-16 as a starter and All the QB needy teams are saying they aren’t interested. Don’t smell right to me.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 7, 2023
So a former league MVP, 4th in overall wins since entering the league, entering his 5th year & the same age as incoming rookie Stetson Bennet is free to negotiate… but all these teams know before speaking to him that they’re good? Yea right there’s no collusion! https://t.co/8hXVUygRoV
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) March 7, 2023
It's virtually impossible to prove collusion. But we know it when we see it. And we're already seeing it with Lamar Jackson, now that he'll be available to talk to other teams but three have quickly made it known they're not interested in talking to him. https://t.co/P5ihypkjjV
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 8, 2023
Old fashioned NFL collusion https://t.co/B7ERPuj5i1
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) March 7, 2023
We’ve got NFL team writers posting articles from team sites saying they aren’t interested in Lamar. This REEKS of collusion.
— Cory (@fakecorykinnan) March 7, 2023
My theory on Lamar Jackson is the Raven have reason to feel strongly no competing team will deliver on the fully gtd deal. I think it's naïve to think owners haven't been discussing this among themselves. They care A LOT about precedent (or in this case pushing back on it).
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 7, 2023
https://twitter.com/DavidMulugheta/status/1633253072720781314
NFL teams spend countless hours doing due diligence regarding every available player at every possible position. They turn over every rock. They look in every nook and cranny. And now a former league MVP is available to be had and they just say, "We're good." It reeks.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 8, 2023