Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay gave some insight into his feelings on a possible acquisition of Lamar Jackson.
Irsay told ESPN’s Stephen Holder that when it comes to Jackson, “money is not a problem,” but went on to say to Zak Keefer of The Athletic that he does take exception to fully guaranteed contracts.
“As an owner I do not believe in fully-guaranteed contracts. I think that a percentage is one thing, but from what I’ve seen from the NBA and baseball, I don’t see it as a positive competitively,” Irsay said.
Colts owner Jim Irsay, asked tonight about fully-guaranteed contracts and the NFL:
“As an owner I do not believe in fully-guaranteed contracts. I think that a percentage is one thing, but from what I’ve seen from the NBA and baseball, I don’t see it as a positive competitively.”
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 28, 2023
It’s not known exactly what Jackson is seeking, but there have been discussions about his desire for a fully-guaranteed deal in the neighborhood of the one Deshaun Watson obtained from the Browns last year.
Regardless, Irsay’s candid comments have elicited strong reactions from fans.
“Okay so lose with Gardner Minshew bro the hell folks acting like you don’t have to pay for good product out here in every aspect of life,” one commenter, a Panthers fan, said.
Okay so lose with Gardner Minshew bro 🤣 the hell folks acting like you don’t have to pay for good product out here in every aspect of life . https://t.co/uElD6WKqGa
— LilRocketNasa (@lilrocketnasa) March 28, 2023
“Ah certainly they aren’t colluding against Lamar!” another person added.
Ah certainly they aren’t colluding against Lamar! https://t.co/WThsZk3c3H
— Jawn Wick (@jawn_wick) March 28, 2023
“Smart man, the contract Watson got, he’ll never live up to that price, why spend it on another just because Browns are dumb…” said one person who supported Irsay’s stance.
Smart man, the contract Watson got, he’ll never live up to that price, why spend it on another just because Browns are dumb… https://t.co/OIMmqS6J2x
— LeonSando (@LeonSandoTXMN) March 28, 2023
“Glad one of these owners have come out & actually said this though It’s always been about guaranteed money,” said another commenter.
Glad one of these owners have come out & actually said this tho. It’s always been about guaranteed money. Not wanting this to be the new ” norm ” but it’s happening for sure. https://t.co/WCiBD55Nfs
— . (@Slickpullah0530) March 28, 2023
Irsay also mentioned that the draft compensation one would have to surrender to sign Jackson–two first-round picks–might give the Colts pause.
Jackson revealed on Monday that he requested a trade from Baltimore on March 2. The Ravens did not fulfill that request and instead placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on the 26-year-old QB.