Lamar Jackson has been the source of much debate and speculation this offseason as a result of his contract situation. Another talking point has emerged, however, due to the fact that he is absent from the team’s OTAs. 
[RELATED: Latest On Jackson, Stalled Contract Talks]
As detailed by the Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec (subscription required), Jackson’s pattern of attendance for voluntary on-field work makes his decision to stay away from the team newsworthy. He also notes, however, the fact that the 25-year-old has already done private work with the team’s receivers this offseason. As a result, the team “maintain[s] they are fine with” the current situation.
When asked about the two-time Pro Bowler’s decision to stay away, head coach John Harbaugh said, “We’ve been down this road many times through the years” via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. “It’s not for me to speak for somebody else on that. It’s up to him to speak for himself on that.”
The Ravens have repeatedly tried to work out a long-term deal with Jackson, but his own willingness to do so is widely seen as the primary obstacle to an extension. He is due $23MM this season on the fifth-year option, and would be in line for sizeable raises in the two seasons after that through franchise tags, should the situation reach that point.
Jackson’s absence is further amplified by the fact that he missed the end of the 2021 campaign due to an ankle injury, and that the team has one of the least experienced receiving corps in the league. With little to no expectation that a contract will be forthcoming during the upcoming season, it is possible he remains absent until mandatory minicamp in June.
He’s so damn good, just work out a deal.
Let him walk and get yourself a passing first QB instead of a glorified RB.
Classic Ed the hateful one
I don’t hate anyone. I am a realist. The guy just isn’t a good passing QB. That is objectively true. He’s an amazing runner at the QB position. That is also true. We’ve seen what happens to guys like this. Once they get some wear and tear on those legs and slow down, they are never the same again. So unless they completely dedicate themselves to learning how to play the game like Randall Cunningham did, they flame out.
He’s holding out of OTA’s. He’s not a leader. All you need to know. No WR’s that are any good want to play with him. Even one they drafted wants to leave. Why? Because this is the kind of offense they need to run in order for Lamar to be the QB.
And they’ve missed the playoffs one time in his career. It’s not like they’re dragging him there.
And what’s his playoff record?
You treat him like he’s not even a real quarterback. Look how many quarterbacks make big time starter money and are a coin flip to even see the playoffs year to year.
I treat him like a bad QB, because that’s what he is. I don’t care about other QBs. I care about this one. This the one playing for the Ravens and due stupid money on an extension that he doesn’t deserve.
Big Ed….I’m a Browns fan but even I know Jackson is a good quarterback. He has a higher rating than any quarterback in that draft, even Allen. Higher TD-interception %. Better win/loss record. Allen has thrown for more yards but he’s thrown a lot more passes. Jackson averages over 11 yards per run for his career. He has a 98.1 career passer rating. The stats seem to disprove your opinion
You know, huh? Well, he isn’t.
No WR wants to come here. That’s all you need to know.
QB’s are not RUNNING BACKS. His rushing yards are irrelevant. He also fumbles a ton because of his running.
The stats don’t disprove anything. They prove my point. He doesn’t win when you force him to be a pocket passer…because he isn’t one of those. He needs to run around and hit broken plays.
Tag him for the next 2 years and see where your at.
That would screw their cap situation and he’d be able to hold out without getting fined, so that seems unwise.
Is this even newsworthy?
You read it, sooo….. yes?
I can understand top tier guys sitting out – but people in the middle need the practice. Of course the Ravens’ receiver corps is like something out of the XFL at the moment, so maybe that had something to do with it.
All the more reason for his butt to be there to work with his guys and get a head start on things.
No good WR wants to play there.