Jackson hits out at NFL critics with cryptic hint over huge contract rejection

14 March 2023 , 22:39

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Lamar Jackson doesn't have an agent but still negotiated, and snubbed, a mega deal (Image: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Agentless Lamar Jackson has responded to critics who claim that he has set himself up poorly to be paid this off-season as he remains without a long-term deal.

The Baltimore Ravens superstar has received no offers from any other teams in the league after being signed to a non-exclusive franchise tag.

This deal means that the 26-year-old is free to discuss a deal with other teams, while his current team have the opportunity to match any offer that he is given elsewhere. If Baltimore chooses not to match an offer, Jackson would join that team, who would send two first-round picks as compensation.

But while Jackson has not received any offers from other teams, it appears he did from his current Ravens. He stated that he turned down a three-year, $144 million deal which would have been fully guaranteed.

He tweeted: "133/3 years fully guaranteed but I need an agent?," before adding: "People throw [poop emoji] at the wall and hope it stick".

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The deal would have been one of the highest guaranteed contracts in NFL history. However, Jackson appears to want more money per year - with the likes of Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers and Deshaun Watson making more than what he was offered.

Earlier this year, it was thought to be that a number of teams would pursue Jackson. The Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets and Washington Commanders were mentioned.

Lamar Jackson has a non-exclusive franchise tag at the Ravens (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

However, it appears that those teams have made their decisions, potentially leaving Jackson only the Ravens to re-sign with. ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler recently stated that he had talked to a few NFL teams who were said to be interested, with none saying that they see a team in the league making an offer.

For now though, it appears Jackson will wait to see if a team steps in and makes an offer to him before re-signing with the Ravens - clearly unhappy with the team. Jackson had hoped to be given a long-term extension two years ago, but the two parties have now failed to come to an agreement in three consecutive off-seasons.

The 2019 MVP continues to be one of the better quarterbacks in the league, despite the team struggling to add big-name wide receivers around him.

Should he chose to return to the Ravens he will be joined by a new offensive coordinator, after his long-term playcaller Greg Roman was fired this off-season.

Charlie Wilson