Maybe. I think a layer of this stems from the Ravens taking advantage of the fact that he represents himself without an agent. At the same time, that’s some self sabotage on Jackson’s part.
You must really hate Stafford’s deal then.
Fired off my post and then found your next post with the linked article. Got ninjaed ha.
Business is business. In this case Jackson has played for pennies on the dollar so now he can be tagged 3 times. If he had a salary of $35M in 2022 tagging him in 2023 would cost $42M and 3 tags wouldn't be realistic. In that scenario i'd probably still tag him in 2023 but i'd make it known I was prepared to trade him for considerably less than 2 X 1st round picks. Potentially i'd consider tagging him in 2024 at 120% of $42M if 2023 had gone well, but retaining him would be unlikely. Jackson has put himself in this situation. My advice to top rookies has been consistent over the years - push the issue in year 4 when you're on a way below market value contract, be prepared to hold-out or disrupt the team, and compromise to reach a fair deal.
I don't hate it but I don't love it either. First off I thought the Goff - Stafford trade was a big overpayment by the Rams. I felt Goff was undervalued as a player and his Rams contract had positive value, (a position most on this board disagreed with). Having given up what the Rams did to acquire Stafford they couldn't afford to let his contract run out. Re-signing him after 1 season, (and with 1 year left on the contract), had to be done. Given what he was already earning the new deal had to be market value and $40M was about right for a top 8 pocket-passing QB who had shown durability. It's not a deal I thought Stafford could out-perform.
I'd have a healthy Lamar 8th assuming that Watson is 7th once he gets back to speed. Its possible Watson just takes his money and runs, though. Ravens scheme works perfectly with Lamars speed and his ability to utilize Tight Ends. Lamar's accuracy isnt great but teams have to respect his ability to take it to the house with his legs.
Fair. The most interesting piece of your post for me is the ranking of an investment. Is that because of the risk in running and that style?
He is coming off two straight seasons of injuries and has yet to really have a strong playoff run so its hard to really see someone committing more than 4 years (which would put him at 30).
Agree. I believe that is the main point, “guaranteed contract.” No way in hell that is a good deal for a team, at the current going rate. Collusion? Give me a break. Watson set the bar, which was outrageous contract. QB contracts should be based on good money guaranteed, but not the full amount. Too much can go wrong. Smart “good/average” QBs accept that reality take a good deal, and work hard for reaching the full amount.
Collusion against not hiring Lamar? Don’t be ridiculous. He’s not worth what he is reaching for. It’s that simple.
Agree overall. You need to have a plan to succeed anywhere. And be reasonable to get a fair deal based on a bunch of factors. This “guaranteed” BS reminds me of the 80s and 90s with overrated CEOs for big companies and their golden parachutes. Earn the money man, you need to pay other employees well too.
Good point. The return on investment is not there. He couldn’t do it with a solid Ravens team that everyone has been rating for several years as a top team in the league. What team could take his talent over the hump and to the next level? Can’t think of any off the bat.
Agree 110%. I almost always side players over owners in sports and I’m team Lamar thinking he’s better than most will give him credit for and even I am calling this a dumb move that is self sabotage. In your life, you should know where your strengths and limitations are. Thousands of years ago Society embraced the differentiation of labor owning that people are suited for some things better than others. Lean on the expert young man! Don’t be cheap. You have to spend money to make money and you spend money paying a percentage to the man who can maximize the bag you accrue in your career.
But you don't have to make another mistake like that just because the Browns will Brown.
