NFL memo - Non-agent might be contacting teams for Lamar Jackson

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The NFL sent out a memo to all clubs Thursday notifying them that a person who is not certified by the NFLPA might be attempting to persuade team personnel to enter into contract negotiations with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who received the nonexclusive franchise tag.

Under league rules, teams can speak only with Jackson because he doesn't have an agent.

According to the memo obtained by ESPN's Adam Schefter, the NFLPA informed the league that Ken Francis, who is not a certified agent with the players' union, might be contacting teams regarding Jackson.

The memo, which was distributed to all 32 teams, read: «As an uncertified person, Mr. Francis is prohibited from negotiating Offer Sheets or Player Contracts, or discussing potential trades on behalf of any NFL player or prospective player or assisting in or advising with respect to such negotiations.»

Francis told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that he has not contacted teams on Jackson's behalf.

«I don't speak for Lamar,» Francis said.

Jackson also denied that Francis has been contacting teams on his behalf, tweeting: «Stop Lying that man never tried to negotiate for me.»

Francis said he's business partners with Jackson on portable gym equipment and that's the extent of their business dealings. He stressed that Jackson handles his own football matters, though he has people in his circle that he might consult.

The memo reminded teams that an offer sheet may be negotiated only with the player, if he is acting on his own behalf, or with a certified agent.

«To be clear, Mr. Jackson is not currently represented by an NFLPA certified agent,» the memo read. «Violation of this rule may result in disapproval of any Offer Sheet or resulting Player