The Ravens made a shocking announcement on Tuesday once they revealed that they had positioned the non-exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The tender gave Jackson permission to barter a proposal sheet with any NFL workforce. The Ravens would then have an opportunity to both match it or let Jackson stroll and obtain two first-round picks from Jackson’s new workforce.
Nonetheless, it shortly turned obvious that groups weren’t all for signing Jackson.
In actual fact, it was just a little too obvious.
IYER: High touchdown spots for Lamar Jackson after franchise tag positioned on veteran QB
The rumors of quarterback-needy groups having little interest in Jackson started when ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported that the Falcons wouldn’t pursue Jackson.
Atlanta had been anticipated to be among the many high suitors for Jackson. Nonetheless, Russini’s report — coupled with a narrative revealed on the Falcons’ official web site — appeared to point that the workforce was comfy sitting out the Jackson sweepstakes.
Experiences: Falcons won’t pursue Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
(@diannaESPN was first)https://t.co/8ULSek0jtO
— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) March 7, 2023
From there, reviews indicated that the Dolphins weren’t all for Jackson.
The Dolphins won’t be pursuing Lamar Jackson or some other beginning QBs this low season, a number of workforce sources inform me. As one supply stated, “Mike totally believes Tua is the proper match for his system.”
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) March 7, 2023
Neither had been the Panthers.
Scott Fitterer definitely will talk about and has mentioned Lamar Jackson b/c that is what he does.
However Panthers should not anticipated to be within the Jackson market, per league sources.
— Joe Particular person (@josephperson) March 7, 2023
How concerning the Raiders or Commanders? Not them both.
If you’re questioning if the @Raiders can be concerned in Lamar Jackson, the reply could be very unlikely.
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) March 7, 2023
Been making an attempt to gauge league-wide curiosity in Lamar Jackson since #Ravens positioned the non-exclusive franchise tag on him.
Washington is a workforce that, on paper, is sensible (identical to the Falcons). However based mostly on what I’m listening to, the #Commanders should not prone to pursue Jackson.
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) March 7, 2023
By 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday night time, not less than 5 groups had been already reportedly out of the working to accumulate Jackson. That did not sit proper with NFL followers.
MORE: Ravens’ choices with Jackson after inserting non-exclusive tag on QB
Loads of former NFL gamers — together with Robert Griffin III — media analysts and followers alike weighed in on the obvious lack of curiosity in Jackson. Many believed that it was a surefire signal of collusion between the NFL groups as they appeared to make sure no membership gave Jackson a totally assured contract.
Lamar Jackson is a Unanimous MVP, has lead the NFL in Passing Touchdowns, is 26 years outdated, is 45-16 as a starter and All of the QB needy groups are saying they aren’t . Don’t odor proper to me.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 7, 2023
Why are all of those groups so publicly “out” on Lamar Jackson, an MVP winner in his prime at crucial place in your entire NFL?
What am I lacking right here?
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 7, 2023
So a former league MVP, 4th in total wins since coming into the league, coming into his fifth yr & the identical age as incoming rookie Stetson Bennet is free to barter… however all these groups know earlier than chatting with him that they’re good? Yea proper there’s no collusion! https://t.co/8hXVUygRoV
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) March 7, 2023
The #Ravens editorial director
😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/bskVSLyzxF
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 7, 2023
All these groups making it recognized they received’t pursue Lamar Jackson could be very odd.
Particularly these groups who don’t have a QB1 on the roster. It doesn’t price something to speak to him.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 7, 2023
Deshaun Watson: bidding battle, totally assured contract
Lamar Jackson: a number of groups instantly uninterested
Would not compute.
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) March 7, 2023
The unprecedented rush for a number of groups to publicly say they’re not all for QB Lamar Jackson could create extra questions than make a press release? Inquisitive about your ideas on this @rolandsmartin @Bakari_Sellers
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 7, 2023
If everybody retains placing out these “won’t pursue Lamar Jackson” leaks and he truly will get no presents, it could certain me to suppose there can be one other collusion declare.
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) March 7, 2023
Loads of NFL groups shouting from the rooftop that they don’t seem to be pursuing Lamar Jackson as Lamar Jackson clearly seeks assured cash, one thing billionaire house owners aren’t eager of. Hm.
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) March 7, 2023
We’ve obtained NFL workforce writers posting articles from workforce websites saying they aren’t all for Lamar. This REEKS of collusion.
— Cory (@realcorykinnan) March 7, 2023
everybody loves a pleasant, gentle, non-legally actionable collusion state of affairs https://t.co/VZ3VP6vSCP
— Arif Hasan, however NFL 🏈 (@ArifHasanNFL) March 7, 2023
The NFL has solely seen one participant get a totally assured contract of greater than $200 million in its historical past. That was given to Deshaun Watson by the Browns through the 2022 offseason.
MORE: High QBs obtainable in 2023 NFL free company
Quite a few reviews indicated that NFL groups weren’t pleased concerning the Browns’ choice to offer Watson a assured contract. A part of that stemmed from the accusations of sexual assault and misconduct made in opposition to Watson in 23 civil lawsuits.
However that consternation was additionally associated to how Watson’s deal would reset the NFL’s quarterback market and probably make it the brand new norm for gamers to get large, assured megadeals.
As such, it is simple to see why many are crying collusion. However as former Steelers security and ESPN expertise. Ryan Clark identified, this is not precisely new for the NFL — even when it has by no means been confirmed.
“For those who do not suppose that collusion is part of this league… you then’re completely out of your thoughts,” Clark stated, per Fox Sports activities’ Henry McKenna.