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Days into NFL Free Agency and Lamar Jackson is still without a new contract (or team). The QB is still without a long-term contract and is yet to reach an agreement with any interested teams. However, the drama surrounding Jackson's agent saga has turned even more bizarre.
Earlier this week, the NFL reportedly sent a memo to all teams, warning them about Ken Francis, who's seemingly an uncertified NFLPA agent. He was going to reach out in Jackson's name to multiple teams, attempting to persuade them to offer Jackson a contract.
As of now, Jackson is under a non-exclusive franchise tag from the Ravens.
If Jackson was with an uncertified agent, it could cost the team a $54,409 fine. As per reports, teams can only deal with NLFPA-certified agents.
“As an uncertified 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 with respect to such negotiations,” the memo read.
Furthermore, ESPN contacted Ken Francis, who responded with:
“I don’t speak for Lamar.”
Is Ken Francis Lamar Jackson's agent? The truth about Florida man
According to Lamar Jackson himself, Ken Francis did not try to negotiate for him.
He recently responded to a tweet by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, who revealed that Francis is from Florida and was pitching a home fitness invention, “The Entire Gym." Now, as per Pelissero, he is trying to negotiate Jackson's lucrative nine-figure contract for him.
Jackson, on his end, stated that everyone was lying about Francis' situation:
"Stop Lying that man never tried to negotiate for me".
In fact, Jackson has referred to Francis as his business partner.
Latest on Lamar Jackson's contract limbo
Jackson's contract uncertainty has been going around for seasons. As per reports, Jackson was looking for a fully guaranteed contract with the Ravens but is yet to come to a proper conclusion.
That being said, another terrific season with the Ravens could earn him the offer he wants. Furthermore, Jackson apparently refused a three-year $133 million fully guaranteed contract from the team.
He is reportedly looking for a contract similar to Deshaun Watson's with the Cleveland Browns, which is worth a guaranteed $230 million over five years.
