The Baltimore Ravens are entering the upcoming NFL season with heightened expectations following last year’s strong performance. After securing the top seed in the playoffs, the Ravens‘ journey was cut short in the AFC Championship Game by a formidable Kansas City Chiefs squad. The game was marked by strong defensive play, with neither star quarterback-Patrick Mahomes nor Lamar Jackson-making a significant impact.
As fans eagerly anticipate a redemption season for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, they are left waiting to see their franchise QB in action. Jackson has been notably absent from the majority of the team’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this offseason, attending only one out of the five sessions held thus far. His absence is particularly striking as he is the sole offensive starter not fully participating in these voluntary workouts.
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Jackson’s contract includes a $750,000 bonus for offseason workouts each year, a substantial sum that he is currently forgoing by skipping OTAs. This decision has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike, with some arguing that as the team leader, Jackson’s presence is crucial. Given his long-term contract, which secures him $52 million per season, his absence cannot be attributed to financial negotiations.
Jackson is in his right to skip OTAs
It’s important to note, however, that OTAs are voluntary. Jackson has the right to decide whether or not to attend without any contractual obligation. For a player earning as much as he does, missing out on the bonus may not be a significant financial sacrifice.
The Ravens’ performance on the field will ultimately determine the significance of Jackson’s OTA attendance. If the team continues to thrive, Jackson’s decisions during the offseason are unlikely to draw criticism.
The Ravens will kick off their 2024 NFL campaign with a high-profile matchup at Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl win, have been a thorn in the Ravens’ side in recent postseasons, adding extra weight to this Week 1 contest and its potential playoff implications.
Despite the excitement surrounding the season opener, the Ravens maintain their focus on a larger goal: winning the Super Bowl. For Baltimore, the true measure of success will be overcoming the postseason hurdles that have hindered them in recent years, regardless of their regular-season encounters with formidable opponents like the Chiefs.
