The Cincinnati Bengals are still kings of the AFC North, but the Baltimore Ravens have remained right on their tail over the past two years. Look no further than how the two teams clashed in the AFC Wild Card two months ago without quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Jackson is the main reason why the Ravens are as competitive as they are. A well-rounded defense and a stable coaching staff are two great components, but everything runs through Jackson's rare abilities at quarterback.

This makes what's happening in Baltimore all the more damaging for them, and nothing but beneficial for Cincinnati. 

The Ravens opted to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson this month, granting him the ability to negotiate with other interested clubs. But thus far, there hasn't been any legitimate buzz surrounding another team trading two first-round picks for Jackson's rights.

This decision essentially accomplished the Ravens' mission; informing Jackson he wouldn't receive what he's asking for on the open market. Two draft picks is a small price to pay for a franchise-altering player. If you're willing to guarantee over $200 million to said player, the picks are inconsequential.

But it doesn't look like any team really wants to do that at this time. And if they do, there's apparently been a fake agent negotiating on Jackson's behalf. 

A man by the name of Ken Francis has been in contact with enough clubs to warrant the NFL Management Council to issue a memo warning franchises about the agent impersonator.

Here’s the full memo from the NFL Management Council warning teams not to negotiate with a man named Ken Francis about Lamar Jackson.

“Violation of this rule may result in disapproval of any Offer Sheet or resulting. Player Contract entered into by Mr. Jackson and the new Club.” pic.twitter.com/v0ibYCfl2J

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 23, 2023

This, of course, stems from the reality that Jackson represents himself. He frequently comments on rumors and analysis of his negotiations with the Ravens via his Twitter account, which puts his business out for everyone to see. At best, it's a net zero gain for how people perceive Jackson in the situation.

The Ravens aren't close to getting a deal done with Jackson, and they aren't close to getting two first-round picks in exchange for him either. If Jackson supposedly sat out the remainder of last season over contract worries, then there's reason to believe he won't play this year under the franchise tag with more uncertainty in store for him.

Neither side is benefitting from what's happening, but the Bengals and the rest of the AFC North is sitting pretty.

The Ravens, with Jackson, are the best team to challenge for the division title. The Browns are getting close, but there's too much uncertainty with the way Deshaun Watson played last year. A Ravens team who may not be able to appease their star QB or properly replace him in time for the season opens up the division a lot more.

For now, Cincinnati can take comfort in the fact that the team who almost gave them a first-round exit is on the brink of falling backwards.