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The contract saga of Ravens OLB Matt Judon took quite a turn this morning after the linebacker threatened an ESPN journalist.
Matt Judon is threatening Jamison Hensley on Instagram for an apology. pic.twitter.com/PrQzjHVHGN
— Kyle P Barber (@BB_KylePBarber) February 24, 2021
How We Got Here
Last month, ESPN’s Jamison Hensley reported Judon was seeking a deal upwards of $20 million per year. Judon replied that this was false on his Instagram.
Then, Hensley reported the Baltimore Ravens offered Judon a contract similar to the one Za’Darius Smith received.
How we know this is due to Judon directly challenging him today, saying, “I got time today.”
Hi Matthew. I was told that Ravens offered you a deal similar to Za’Darius’ ($16.5M per season) earlier this season and it was declined. If you have a comment, I would certainly add that to the piece. I’ve always been fair with you. Thanks and welcome back to Twitter.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) February 24, 2021
Hensley responded, saying he’ll include Judon’s remarks in the article.
I will definitely add your response to the piece. If you ever have an issue with any of my reporting, I would be happy to listen and explain. I’ve always aimed to cover you in a respectful manner in your five years in Baltimore. Hope you have a great offseason.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) February 24, 2021
According to Judon, the Ravens cannot offer a contract to him mid-season, as it’s against league rules. He also states he and his team aren’t speaking to Hensley, therefore questioning where Hensley’s receiving his information.
What Judon is saying falls in line with league rules.
On July 15, there is a league deadline in the CBA.
Article 10 Section 2(k) sets it as the 15th (or the first Monday after that if the 15th falls on the weekend).
“Any Club designating a Franchise Player shall have until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on July 15 of the League Year (or, if July 15 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the first Monday thereafter) for which the designation takes effect to sign the player to a multiyear contract or extension. After that date, the player may sign only a one-year Player Contract with his Prior Club for that season, and such Player Contract may not be extended until after the Club’s last regular season game of that League Year.”
it appears Hensley is in the wrong; that being said, Judon blackmailing Hensley for an apology is an aggressive move by any account. It’ll be interesting to see whether the Ravens step in and comment on the current feud.