OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Lamar Jackson offseason saga took one other surprising flip with the distribution of a league-wide memo and the involvement of a enterprise companion on health tools named Ken Francis.
On Thursday, the NFL despatched out a memo to all golf equipment notifying them that an individual not licensed by he NFLPA is likely to be trying to steer workforce personnel to enter into contract negotiations with Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback who acquired the nonexclusive franchise tag.
Underneath league guidelines, groups can communicate solely with Jackson as a result of he would not have an agent.
In response to the memo obtained by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the NFLPA knowledgeable the league that Francis, who will not be a licensed agent with the gamers’ union, is likely to be contacting groups concerning Jackson.
The memo, which was distributed to all 32 groups, learn: “As an uncertified particular person, Mr. Francis is prohibited from negotiating Provide Sheets or Participant Contracts, or discussing potential trades on behalf of any NFL participant or potential participant or helping in or advising with respect to such negotiations.”
Francis informed ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that he has not contacted groups on Jackson’s behalf.
“I do not communicate for Lamar,” Francis mentioned.
Jackson additionally denied that Francis has been contacting groups on his behalf, tweeting: “Cease Mendacity that man by no means tried to barter for me.”
Francis mentioned he is enterprise companions with Jackson on moveable gymnasium tools and that is the extent of their enterprise dealings. He careworn that Jackson handles his personal soccer issues, although he has individuals in his circle that he would possibly seek the advice of.
The memo reminded groups that a suggestion sheet could also be negotiated solely with the participant, if he’s performing on his personal behalf, or with a licensed agent.
“To be clear, Mr. Jackson will not be at the moment represented by an NFLPA licensed agent,” the memo learn. “Violation of this rule could end in disapproval of any Provide Sheet or ensuing Participant Contract entered into by Mr. Jackson and the brand new Membership.”
The NFL can nice groups $47,000 if a membership negotiates a contract with an agent or consultant not verified by the NFLPA.
That is the second time in seven months that the league has needed to deal with this matter. In August, the NFL administration council despatched a memo to the 32 groups about talking with a non-NFLPA-certified agent who had been contacting golf equipment on behalf of linebacker Roquan Smith when he was with the Chicago Bears. Smith was traded to the Ravens final season and negotiated a five-year extension with Baltimore in January.
On March 7, the Ravens positioned the nonexclusive franchise tag on Jackson after the edges had been unable to succeed in a brand new deal after 25 months of negotiations.
Underneath the nonexclusive tag, Jackson can negotiate with different groups. If he indicators a suggestion sheet, Baltimore could have 5 days to match, or it can obtain two first-round draft picks as compensation.
If there is no such thing as a supply sheet, Jackson would earn $32.416 million underneath the tag.
A Ravens official informed ESPN the workforce has solely negotiated with Jackson since he grew to become eligible for a contract extension in 2021.
