Jacoby Brissett has no patience for spam calls. When he receives a call from an unknown number, the Washington Commanders’ new quarterback never answers. That’s smart for a savvy veteran, but it can also be a bit tricky when representing in freehand. What happens when a team calls and Brissett doesn’t answer?
You better leave a message.
“As soon as they leave a voicemail, I’ll call them right back,” Brissett said.
As he has done throughout his seven-year career, Brissett negotiated his final contract without an agent. The strategy has paid off for the 30-year-old, who this week signed a one-year, $8 million contract that can grow to $10 million if certain incentives are met. It also gives him a unique perspective as he’s one of the few players who might be able to understand the dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson is in at the Baltimore Ravens.
Like Brissett, Jackson is representing himself. And that has become a key focus of negotiations in Baltimore as both sides seek to negotiate a long-term extension.
Many observers in the league have speculated that Jackson’s insistence on negotiating a contract without the help of an agent may have cost the quarterback millions.
Brissett didn’t expect to sign for the money Jackson is seeking, but the Washington Commanders’ new quarterback knows firsthand what it’s like to deal directly with a team.
“I don’t see anything wrong with representing yourself,” Brissett said. “He has done a good job with what he does to be fortunate to have the opportunity that he created for himself. I wish him only the best. … I am sure he will make the right decision for himself and it will work out for him.”
Brissett said he enjoyed learning what it takes to close a deal. Though the quarterback doesn’t have an agent, he relies on a team of advisors who have helped guide him through the details of the contracts. Despite the leadership, Brissett said he loves “taking on that responsibility” of leading a negotiation.
He added he “never” considered hiring an agent.
“It’s always worth saving money,” Brissett said.
Brissett’s negotiations with the commanders, on the face of it, have the potential to work well for both sides. The quarterback received a $4.5 million signing bonus, a fully guaranteed base salary of $3 million and a $500,000 training bonus, which he will receive in the spring. He can also earn another $2 million in playtime incentives.
Commanders, on the other hand, get a high-quality signal caller at an affordable price—one that rivals Sam Howell for the team’s starting job. The one-year deal allows Brissett to likely get back on the market and make money next year if he beats expectations with Washington.
Brissett said he was looking for an opportunity that would be attractive after a career year in Cleveland.
For the Browns, Brissett surprised in 2022 with efficient play, 2,608 yards, 12 touchdowns and a 64% completion rate in 16 games from 11 starts. However, Brissett knew early in the season that he would only be a placeholder until Deshaun Watson returned from his 11-game suspension.
And indeed, the Browns turned to Watson when they were available.
“If my role has changed it doesn’t change who I am as a man or as a player or as a teammate – I still have a job to do,” said Brissett, who said it was difficult to make the switch, but that’s what Browns credited for their “complete transparency” in the process. “I still have to go out there and do my best and be a good teammate. I think I’ve achieved those things.”
Brissett’s team-first mentality will likely serve him well in Washington, where the expectation was Howell would win the starting job. When asked if he could compete with Howell on Thursday, Brissett was nothing but polite and said they could benefit each other.
The 2016 Patriots-drafted third-picker joined the league with an attitude of supporting his teammates, but added that Tom Brady and other New England veterans served as an influence as he watched them the locker rooms regardless of their status upgraded.
Over the next six years – whether as a starter or a backup – Brissett attempted to maintain a similar approach.
“To go out there and just be myself was good for me,” Brissett said. “Everything else just comes naturally.”
Even if that means the commanders had to leave a voicemail first.
Source : www.washingtontimes.com