NFLPA Head Alleges Criminal Manipulation of System Against Lamar Jackson by Owners
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been the subject of a controversial non-exclusive franchise tag placement earlier this month, allowing him to talk with other teams during free agency. However, it appears that no team is interested in signing Jackson, leaving the Ravens with the option to match any offers or receive the draft picks of the interested team. Amidst this situation, NFL Players Association (NFLPA) executive director DeMaurice Smith has come out to criticize the owners, accusing them of "criminally gaming" the system against Jackson.
Smith is not happy with the current draft and franchise tag systems, calling them a way for owners to "restrict" the market during free agency. He believes that these systems are unfairly limiting the opportunities for players like Jackson to explore their options and find the best possible deal.
The controversy surrounding Jackson's franchise tag placement and lack of interest from other teams highlights the ongoing tensions between the NFLPA and owners over player rights and fair treatment. As negotiations for the next collective bargaining agreement continue, these issues are likely to remain at the forefront of discussions.
Additionally, Smith noted that no teams have reached out to Jackson since he was tagged. There are rumors circulating that Jackson is seeking a fully guaranteed contract similar to the one Deshaun Watson received from the Cleveland Browns after his trade from the Houston Texans.
«The NFL Draft and the franchise tag system exist because owners have colluded in the past to both depress and restrict markets,» Smith writes per Pro Football Talk. «This time, they are criminally gaming the game itself.»
«Let's be clear, in my nearly 15-year career as Executive Director, I have never witnessed teams being so quick to publicly announce their lack of interest in an MVP quarterback, who is in his prime and who is also going to get an injury guarantee, regardless of his contract.
