Around the NFL - 2023 Offseason Thread

[AnonEmouse]

My take is LJ saw the Watson deal and probably based on his MVP season alone said "I want that".
Baltimore said "We want to keep you, but not at that price. DW is a QB that can also run when he has to but is a better passer, and that's always his first option. You are valuable to us but you're not the same quality passer. Here's the deal we're at. Oh and you probably should get an agent."
"No, I and I alone think you are wrong, I'm worth DW money and I'm going to hold out for that kind of deal. If you can't pay me someone else will."
"Lamar, given your recent injury history nobody is going to offer you that deal, not to mention what we already said. Get an agent (preferably someone that can talk sense into you)."
"I do not agree, lets see what happens."
"OK, but we're tagging you. You do realise that means if some idiot comes along and offers what you want, we'll get picks to replace you, even if we chose not to match their offer. You don't really hold the cards here."
"I reject your reality and substitute my own. I'm getting one of my homies to have a chat with the other teams."
Other NFL teams "Who da F is this guy asking to talk? Hey B'more, can you get LJ to sign an agent please? We'll talk, but not to some guy off the street."
"Hey, don't ask us, not our problem. Talk to Roger."
At which point Goodell goes and finds a cupboard to hide in.

Nobody is going to come out smelling of roses here, but LJ is making himself look a fool. I don't believe there is collusion because he's not a Mahomes, Burrow or Allen. Or Watson for that matter. On his day he's a top 10 QB but he's not in that elite stratosphere, and nobody is stupid/desperate enough at this point to pay what he wants, if they ever will be. If he's not careful he's going to be another Cam Newton.