Ravens Free Agency: Lamar Jackson Has No Agent And It's Killing His Career
Lamar Jackson didn't have an agent representing him during his draft process five years ago. He still doesn't, and it's hurt him his entire career.
Jackson slid all the way to No. 32 in the 2018 NFL Draft as agents of other quarterbacks were surely bad-mouthing the Louisville signal-caller in an effort to get their clients drafted higher. Jackson didn't have an agent to protect him from all the narratives about him potentially changing positions coming out of college.
And now, against the backdrop of the non-exclusive franchise tag, there is no one to protect or fight for Jackson as numerous teams slam the door to his services before he even approaches them.
A skilled and respected agent might have avoided this situation altogether, and Jackson might be under contract by now.
It's also possible that the scenario that took place, did, but Jackson and his agent could be in control of his future, rather than the league narrative of him controlling his destiny.
There are genuine benefits to having the right agent. Just ask pretty much any player that successfully navigated a career through the NFL. And while the damage to Jackson's career over the last five seasons cannot be undone, he should realize that he has little or no chance to get the long-term deal he has deserved for more than two years without an agent.
This isn't a situation of the Ravens taking advantage of Jackson, as they have already shown the ability to create fair deals with players who represent themselves. Linebacker Roquan Smith has no agent, yet he recently signed the most lucrative deal in NFL history for a player at his position.
Another reason for an agent is the NFL's tendency to re-work deals mid-contract. Jackson needs someone to represent him while he's busy studying playbooks and defenses while his contract needs renegotiating or an extension.
For all these reasons, Jackson needs an agent. Maybe more now than ever before.
Until then, Jackson will continue hurting his career, faced with the decision to play for the insultingly low number of $32 million next season or to sit out for nothing. To prove a point no one respects.
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