Baltimore, MD – June 9, 2025
The Baltimore Ravens’ franchise quarterback, Lamar Jackson, is once again at the center of offseason controversy — and this time, it’s not about how he plays, but why he’s staying away.
Despite a $750,000 contract incentive tied to workout attendance, Jackson has skipped voluntary OTAs for the second consecutive year, raising questions about what’s really going on behind closed doors. And while the workouts may be optional, his absence is anything but unnoticed — especially considering he’s currently in line for what could be the biggest contract in NFL history.
Jackson’s representatives have been in communication with the Ravens' front office, with head coach John Harbaugh publicly confirming that extension talks are underway. Still, fans and analysts alike are asking: if Lamar is about to be rewarded, why isn’t he with the team?
An anonymous AFC front-office source offered a blunt interpretation: “When a guy like Lamar Jackson skips OTAs and leaves money on the table, it’s a clear signal. He’s not just resting. He’s negotiating — silently.”
And the leverage? It’s massive.
Jackson, the reigning league MVP, made history in 2024 by becoming the first quarterback ever to throw 40+ touchdowns and rush for over 900 yards in a single season. His presence alone makes Baltimore a perennial Super Bowl contender — and that kind of impact has a price.
Currently, Lamar is earning less per year than nine other NFL quarterbacks, despite outplaying most of them. Even Dak Prescott’s $60 million annual average and Patrick Mahomes’ 10-year, $450 million deal are now being used as benchmarks in discussions about Jackson’s value.
NFL.com’s Tom Blair put it plainly: “How much is too much to pay a walking, talking ticket to Super Bowl contention?”
But not all reactions have been supportive. A segment of the fanbase, still stung by last season’s playoff disappointment, expected Jackson to be leading from the front — not from afar. The concern isn’t just about workouts. It’s about message and tone.
Still, Lamar’s performance — not presence — is his ultimate statement. He’s already said more with his legs and arm than any press conference could ever deliver. And while this quiet standoff may unsettle some, it also underscores just how critical he is to Baltimore’s future.
If the Ravens want to remain in Super Bowl contention, they know they can’t afford to lose him — or alienate him. And Lamar Jackson knows that too.
So, is this simply a shrewd negotiating tactic? Or is something deeper unfolding behind the scenes in Baltimore?
Whatever the answer, one thing is certain: Lamar holds the cards. And he’s playing them with MVP precision.
