The dreaded “C-word” is hanging over the looming ‘Free Agent Frenzy’ the NFL is about to go under. After the Baltimore Ravens hit star quarterback Lamar Jackson with the non-exclusive franchise tag, everyone went into a tizzy. Then, something curious happened. Several teams, namely the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and four others, took themselves out of the running. Details emerged almost sequentially after the Jackson news was made official.
“Collusion” is being suspected by many. While it would take a lot to prove that, many around the NFL spoke about the “concerning” signs that emerged. Namely, Trey Wingo and ESPN personality Mina Kimes.
Regarding this: spoke with sources at NFLPA and they’re keeping a very close eye on the Lamar situation for that very reason. Regarding the C word “there’s constant concern about that” https://t.co/KrEe1te6BM
— trey wingo (@wingoz) March 7, 2023
It’s clear this is a situation that probably isn’t diminishing. The Deshaun Watson contract seems to have had a significant impact on negotiations for Lamar Jackson. He should want to be paid more than Watson, who played like one of the worst quarterbacks in the league when he did play. Conversely, is anyone going to give that deal? These are questions to certainly ask, but the speculation about “collusion” didn’t dissipate on Wednesday.
Mike Greenberg of ESPN hopped on The Pat McAfee Show to discuss the topic.
“The Lamar Jackson situation isn’t gonna rise to the legal definition of collusion,” Greenberg told McAfee. “But there is no question the NFL owners are sending a message about guaranteed contracts.”
"The Lamar Jackson situation isn't gonna rise to the legal definition of collusion but there is no question the NFL owners are sending a message about guaranteed contracts"@Espngreeny #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/6JDU81ztyi
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 8, 2023
Time will tell to see if this turns into anything additional. Greenberg is probably correct in saying that it will be difficult to prove. But right now, there is no denying that the elephant is in the room.
