Lamar Jackson announces trade request in series of tweets
Aug 11, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) walks on the sidelines during the first half Tennessee Titans at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Lamar Jackson wants out of Baltimore.
In a series of tweets sent on Monday, Jackson shared a “letter to my fans” announcing that he has formally asked the Ravens to trade him. The star quarterback says he made the request on March 2 after it became clear that Baltimore “has not been interested in meeting my value.”
in regards to my future plans. As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value, any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023
win the super bowl. You all are great but I had to make a business decision that was best for my family and I. No matter how far I go or where my career takes me, I’ll continue to be close to my fans of Baltimore Flock nation and the entire State of Maryland. You’ll See me again
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023
“In regards to my future plans. As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value, any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know (sic) I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team win the Super Bowl,” Jackson wrote. “You all are great but I had to make a business decision that was best for my family and I. No matter how far I go or where my career takes me, I’ll continue to be close to my fans of Baltimore Flock nation and the entire State of Maryland. You’ll See me again.”
Jackson and the Ravens have tried to work on a contract extension for well over a year. The former MVP does not have an agent, which seems to have complicated the process a great deal.
Last Thursday, the NFL Management Council sent a warning to the league’s teams that a man named Ken Francis may be trying to contact teams to discuss contract matters on Jackson’s behalf. The warning stated that Francis is not a certified NFLPA agent and therefore teams are prohibited from talking contract matters with him.
Jackson issued a strong denial to the claims that someone is negotiating on his behalf.
The Ravens used the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson this offseason. The 26-year-old can sign an offer sheet with another team that the Ravens would have a chance to match. Or he can sign his tender and play for Baltimore for $32.4 million in 2023. It sounds like he does not want the latter.
