Around the NFL - 2023 Offseason Thread

The market is not dictating that he's not worth the money, the owners are colluding to now allow another Watson deal. It is always the case that every new QB deal sets the market for QBs. Watson set the market, whether the owners like it or now.

The owners are the market ; who else is the market? I am not paying NFL QBs nor you

https://theathletic.com/4332062/2023/03/23/lamar-jackson-free-agent-ravens-problems/?amp=1

Good article about LJ

My take is LJ saw the Watson deal and probably based on his MVP season alone said "I want that".
Baltimore said "We want to keep you, but not at that price. DW is a QB that can also run when he has to but is a better passer, and that's always his first option. You are valuable to us but you're not the same quality passer. Here's the deal we're at. Oh and you probably should get an agent."
"No, I and I alone think you are wrong, I'm worth DW money and I'm going to hold out for that kind of deal. If you can't pay me someone else will."
"Lamar, given your recent injury history nobody is going to offer you that deal, not to mention what we already said. Get an agent (preferably someone that can talk sense into you)."
"I do not agree, lets see what happens."
"OK, but we're tagging you. You do realise that means if some idiot comes along and offers what you want, we'll get picks to replace you, even if we chose not to match their offer. You don't really hold the cards here."
"I reject your reality and substitute my own. I'm getting one of my homies to have a chat with the other teams."
Other NFL teams "Who da F is this guy asking to talk? Hey B'more, can you get LJ to sign an agent please? We'll talk, but not to some guy off the street."
"Hey, don't ask us, not our problem. Talk to Roger."
At which point Goodell goes and finds a cupboard to hide in.

Nobody is going to come out smelling of roses here, but LJ is making himself look a fool. I don't believe there is collusion because he's not a Mahomes, Burrow or Allen. Or Watson for that matter. On his day he's a top 10 QB but he's not in that elite stratosphere, and nobody is stupid/desperate enough at this point to pay what he wants, if they ever will be. If he's not careful he's going to be another Cam Newton.

Watson and Lamar's stats/records are very comparable, why shouldn't he ask for a similar contract?

Watson. W/L: 31-29/1-2 playoffs
Cmp/Att: 1285/1918
Cmp%: 67.0
Yds: 15,641
Avg: 8.2
TDs: 111
INTs: 41
Rtg: 102.3

Lamar W/L: 49-21/1-3 playoffs
Cmp/Att: 1055/1655
Cmp%: 63.7
Yds: 12,209
Avg: 7.4
TDs: 101
INTs: 38
Rtg: 96.7

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/nfl-warns-clubs-not-to-negotiate-with-uncertified-person-attempting-to-act-as-lamar-jacksons-agent-222007894.html

NFL warns clubs not to negotiate with ‘uncertified person’ attempting to act as Lamar Jackson’s agent

He also has a guy calling teams to start negotiations with him. Lamar is pretty dumb guy


Both Lamar and the supposed fake agent denying this.

Both Lamar and the supposed fake agent denying this.

yeah because the nfl is making it up, lol!

Watson and Lamar's stats/records are very comparable, why shouldn't he ask for a similar contract?

Watson. W/L: 31-29/1-2 playoffs
Cmp/Att: 1285/1918
Cmp%: 67.0
Yds: 15,641
Avg: 8.2
TDs: 111
INTs: 41
Rtg: 102.3

Lamar W/L: 49-21/1-3 playoffs
Cmp/Att: 1055/1655
Cmp%: 63.7
Yds: 12,209
Avg: 7.4
TDs: 101
INTs: 38
Rtg: 96.7

I don't think anyone would deny his effectiveness - when he's available. The NFL is a what have you done for me lately league, and Lamar has lost too much time to injury to warrant guarantees like he expects. Wherever he's playing next season, he'll get well paid, but he won't get the guaranteed money he's asking for.

watson money + 2 first round picks is a LOT more than just watson money. I don't think you need to collusion to explain away the lack of contracts.

Also, injury history, also watson deal was bad (from an owner's perspective), also self-representation is potentially a really bad idea (it's a great way to get butthurt when a team tells you why you're not worth what you think you are, and it can be an issue not having someone you trust there to convince you about what would be a good deal).

I see Watson’s numbers as a fair bit better. In 10 fewer games, he’s thrown for 3000 more yards, 10 more tds, has a better completion %, although slightly more picks. Watson may be a crap human being whereas Lamar just seems (at best) naive. But just looking at numbers, Lamar can’t really say he’s better or even on par.


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https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35968103/qb-lamar-jackson-says-requested-trade-ravens

This keeps getting uglier.

I can't see him going back to BAL at this point.

At the very least I'd call them and see what they want