Lamar Jackson’s pursuit of a new team has sparked two popular opinions: first, his lack of an agent is hindering his efforts, and second, he shouldn’t expect a deal akin to DeShaun Watson’s five-year, $230 million contract with the Browns. This contract is seen as an anomaly, given to an alleged serial sexual harasser by a desperate franchise owner.
In simpler terms, NFL teams shouldn’t feel compelled to match a deal born of desperation. Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome confessed that Watson’s contract posed challenges, saying, “We have to figure out if that’s going to be the norm or is that an outlier. We don’t know.” Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III dismissed these concerns.
Griffin stated, “Everyone talks about how Lamar doesn’t have an agent and that’s hurting him. But we’ve seen players like Laremy Tunsil, Richard Sherman, Bobby Wagner, and DeAndre Hopkins negotiate top contracts without agents. The lack of an agent isn’t why Lamar Jackson isn’t getting a fully guaranteed contract. The real issue is that he’s challenging the NFL system.”
“The system includes agents and NFL insiders who don’t want their income affected. Agents want their cut of contracts, and insiders want their share of information. By not having an agent or direct ties to insiders, Lamar is cutting them out, and that’s why he’s struggling.”
“Lamar deserves a fully guaranteed deal like DeShaun Watson. Lamar Jackson has achieved more on the field and has a cleaner off-field record.” “While not having an agent has impacted Lamar, it’s not the main reason. Even with an agent, he would still be pushing for a deal like Watson’s, as the NFL set a precedent with that contract, and Lamar is justified in seeking it.”