The Baltimore Ravens’ negotiations with quarterback Lamar Jackson took a bizarre turn on Thursday when the NFL issued a notice to teams that a man who is not a certified agent might be reaching out on his behalf. Ken Francis, a businessman with ties to Jackson, was named in the memo, though his exact role in any negotiations that the quarterback has had since free agency opened last week is unclear.
While the league’s assertion is disputed by Jackson, this memo wouldn’t have been released if there were no cause for concern on the NFL’s behalf. Uncertified agents are prohibited from negotiating contracts or trades, and teams will be subject to fines if they try to broker a deal through one.
Source: NFL sent a memo to all clubs letting them know that the NFLPA informed the league that a person by the name of Ken Francis, who is not an NFLPA certified agent, may be contacting teams and attempting to persuade team personnel to enter into negotiations with Lamar Jackson
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2023
This development could be a reason that Baltimore’s negotiations with Jackson have been at a standstill, though without more information, nothing can be certain. Francis’ business relationship with Jackson remains unclear.
One thing is clear, though; something has been happening behind the scenes that has delayed a deal from getting done. Jackson should have suitors around the league lining up for him, and the Ravens should have had a contract to match or decline by this point in the free agency process.
More news about Francis’ involvement with Jackson is sure to break in the coming days and weeks. With the draft about a month away, teams that may have previously been interested in Jackson could look to younger prospects who won’t bring additional baggage with them.
