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NFL warns teams not to negotiate with uncertified agent about Lamar

Patrick Smith / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The NFL sent a memo warning teams about an uncertified agent who may be calling to negotiate on behalf of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

The league said Ken Francis, who isn't a National Football League Players Association-certified agent, is "prohibited from negotiating offer sheets or player contracts or discussing potential trades on behalf of any NFL player," according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

It added that teams can only negotiate with Jackson directly since he doesn't have a certified agent and that failure to do so could result in the league disapproving a potential offer sheet or contract.

Francis said he's Jackson's business partner for portable gym equipment and hasn't contacted any teams on behalf of the Ravens quarterback, he told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Jackson also denied that Francis was negotiating for him shortly after the NFL's statement.

The 26-year-old later tweeted a promotional video for the gym equipment he's launching with his "business partner Ken."

Jackson and Baltimore have failed to find common ground over a long-term deal. He recently refuted a report that he turned down an offer from the Ravens that included $200 million guaranteed.

The club placed the non-exclusive franchise tag, which is worth $32.4 million, on Jackson earlier this month. Other clubs are free to negotiate with the former league MVP, and the Ravens have the right to match their offers. If Baltimore doesn't, it will receive two first-round picks from the team Jackson joins.

The Ravens and Jackson have until July 17 to agree to a long-term contract if he isn't given an offer sheet from an opposing club.

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