The NFL issued a memo to all teams Thursday notifying them that someone who is not certified by the NFLPA could try to persuade them to enter contract negotiations with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The man named in the memo, obtained by ESPN, is Ken Francis. Because Jackson does not have an agent, teams can only discuss a contract with him.
Francis would be prohibited from contacting the teams because he is not a certified agent.
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Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball defended by Rayshawn Jenkins #2 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at TIAA Bank Field on November 27, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images)
Jackson, who was given the non-exclusive franchise tag by the Ravens before the deadline earlier this month, may discuss an offer sheet with another team.
«As a non-certified person, Mr. Francis is prohibited from negotiating Offer Sheets or Player Contracts, or discussing potential trades on behalf of any NFL player or prospective player, or assisting or advising with respect to such negotiations,» the statement read. memorandum.
As it turns out, just as the memo goes public, Jackson tweeted about a business venture he’s starting with Francis.
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«The Entire Gym» is a product that Jackson said he will launch with «my business partner Ken» this summer.
The timing of that announcement couldn’t have come at a better time.
Jackson has been adamant that he does not want an agent to represent him in contract negotiations. The Ravens worked diligently before the franchise tag deadline to get something done, and while there was some optimism, they ultimately had to assign the tag to Jackson.
Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball defended by Rayshawn Jenkins #2 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at TIAA Bank Field on November 27, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images)
However, it was not the exclusive tag, which would not allow other teams to compete for Jackson’s services if they so desired.
Instead, other teams can talk to Jackson and only Jackson, as the memo states, and give him an offer sheet that the Ravens have a chance to match. If they do not wish to do so, they would receive two first-round picks.
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Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer, who owns the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, admitted they did investigate Jackson but considered him a «very expensive option.»
«Like everything, you always have a conversation,» Fitterer said Monday via Pro Football Talk. «But we were looking at… He’s a great option, a really expensive option. But we’re focused on more draft picks right now.»
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta issued a statement after Jackson was designated with the franchise tag.
Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 11, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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«Since we have not yet reached a long-term agreement with Lamar Jackson, we will use the franchise tag,» DeCosta said in a statement. «There have been many instances throughout the league and in Baltimore where a player has been designated with the franchise tag and signed a long-term contract that same year. We will continue to negotiate in good faith with Lamar, and we are hopeful that we can to reach a long-term deal that is fair to both Lamar and the Ravens. Our ultimate goal is to build a championship team with Lamar Jackson leading the way for many years to come.»
Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.