Earlier this week, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith agreed to an absolutely massive deal that made him the highest-paid linebacker in NFL history, which is unique in its own right. But there’s one other thing that made Smith’s contract situation unique: he represented himself without an agent.
Roquan Smith admitted that negotiating the contract himself “wasn’t an easy process,” especially during the season, but he thinks it’s totally possible for players to represent themselves.
“It wasn’t an easy process, but I have the utmost respect for [G.M.] Eric DeCosta,” Smith said according to the Baltimore Ravens team site. “I think he’s a very fair, honest guy. A lot of times people say, ‘Oh gosh, players can’t negotiate without agents, and things like that.’ And that’s not something I truly believe in. Because like talking with Eric throughout the process, like I said, he was honest, you know, kept his word. And man, I’ve got a lot of respect for him, and I can’t thank him enough for actually being fair and, you know, seeing the value in me and making this happen and making Baltimore home for me.”
There are obvious parallels to the contract situation of Lamar Jackson, who also represents himself and is seeking a massive contract from the Ravens. Smith’s success in his negotiation proves that Jackson can do it, too.
