When new Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle stressed the importance of offseason workouts, he did not single out any player, though it was clear he had quarterback Lamar Jackson in mind. Doyle emphasized that championship-level goals require work, collaboration, and relationship-building with coaches and teammates. While he repeatedly described the program as “voluntary,” his statements underscored an expectation that players, particularly Jackson, participate.
This tension highlights a recurring issue in the NFL: the “voluntary” nature of offseason workouts is largely a formality. The Collective Bargaining Agreement forbids clubs from suggesting participation is mandatory, yet teams routinely incentivize attendance through workout bonuses or contractual clauses. For Jackson, this has real financial consequences. His contract offers $750,000 in annual workout bonuses from 2024 through 2027. By skipping the minimum number of voluntary sessions over the past two offseasons, he has already forfeited $1.5 million.
Lamar Jackson (NFL)Lamar Jackson’s Contract and Offseason Decisions Could Shape Ravens’ Championship Prospects
The timing is critical. Jackson’s cap number is set to jump from $43.5 million to $74.5 million as the Ravens enter a new league year. The team hopes to negotiate a new, market-level deal that encourages him to participate fully in the offseason program, particularly under a new coaching staff. Without a contract extension, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has indicated the team could restructure Jackson’s deal and reduce his cap number, a move unlikely to incentivize him to attend voluntary workouts.
Ultimately, Jackson retains leverage. He could earn $104 million, or $102.5 million by skipping offseason workouts, over the next two seasons and become a free agent. Until a new contract is agreed upon, participation in the voluntary program and alignment with the new coaching staff remain uncertain. Fans and analysts alike are left watching, aware that Jackson’s decisions will shape both the Ravens’ offseason and their future championship prospects.
This offseason represents a pivotal crossroads for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Balancing voluntary participation, contract negotiations, and championship expectations will define the quarterback’s immediate future and the team’s success under a new coaching regime.
