The idea of Dan Snyder signing Lamar Jackson and leaving the next Commanders owner to foot the bill is being floated in the wake of the team creating close to $10 million in cap space by signing franchise-tagged defensive tackle Daron Payne to a four-year deal.
The Commanders now boast the wherewithal to make a move for Jackson and, given that Snyder’s a pretty petty guy, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk has reasoned that he could pursue the quarterback without having to write a cheque.
Such a move would probably tempt the under-fire owner as the escrow payment would not become due until next March. So should he trade for Jackson and sell the team within the next year, the new owner would be the one paying the bill.
In case you’re wondering whether such a situation would affect the selling price for the team, the NFL has a salary cap, as well as a salary floor, so player payroll money will be spent. Any incoming owner would just have to suck up the fact that they’re inheriting a hefty contract.
It’s unlikely that an interested prospect would be put off by having to pay Lamar Jackson anyway. NFL teams are appreciating assets and the opportunities to purchase one are few and far between, so the matter of a fully-guaranteed mega-contract would probably not be a sticking point.
Of course, Snyder wouldn’t have full control as it would ultimately come down to whether or not the Ravens are willing to let Jackson leave. While he has been hit with the non-exclusive franchise tag, the QB is still wanted by the team and they could match whatever offer comes his way.
