Should Ravens be concerned about Lamar Jackson's absence from OTAs? (2024)

OWINGS MILLS, Md. —

The Ravens have held their voluntary workouts over the past month, but the absence of Lamar Jackson, especially after signing a long-term contract in 2023, has some fans puzzled.

His decision to skip Organized Team Activities has reportedly come at a financial cost. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Jackson will miss out on a $750,000 workout bonus. His contract stipulates he must attend at least 80% of offseason workouts, excluding mandatory minicamp.

He has reportedly missed too many practices already and will miss out on the bonus this season, an annual part of his contract. His absence may be a surprise, but he will make over $110 million at the end of 2024, so another $750,000 may not have been worth his personal time. He has been doing more public events like his visit to Germany and the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race. But, he also has been working out this offseason, seen by shedding 10 pounds to regain some of his speed, and he did attend the first OTA session this year.

“It's just this time of year. It's a voluntary time. It's really not something that we comment on," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said on Jackson's absence. "We can't, and that's just the time of year it is. So, I can't speak for anybody that's not here. I pretty much know the different reasons guys aren't here most of the time, but not always."

NFL pundits have been critical of Jackson's decision, and some have questioned the reasons beyond the monetary loss, arguing that it is important for him to be involved.

"It's a wealth of big time (quarterbacks), and they're all gunning for each other. So that's where I just don’t get it," Chris Simms from Pro Football Talk said. "Just like we said, coming off the playoff loss and the letdown and all of that, I'm just very surprised by this take by Lamar."

"For Lamar Jackson not to be there and Derrick Henry is there with his new team, I think it sends the wrong message," former wide receiver Plaxico Burress said on "The Carton Show." "When your starting quarterback is there, everybody’s basically there."

Harbaugh knows his quarterback well and is confident that he will be ready for the upcoming season.

"He's a pro. He knows what he's doing. He knows where he wants to be with that (his weight). My concern is that he's in shape, best shape of his life, and he's working toward that. He's ready football-wise, all the details that go with that — mentally, physically, spiritually ready to go," Harbaugh said.