Lamar Jackson Forfeits $750K Contract Bonus Due to Absence from Ravens OTAs

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has forfeited a $750,000 contract bonus due to his absence from offseason workouts. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that Jackson’s 2023 contract includes an annual offseason workout bonus of $750,000, which requires his participation in 80 percent of the workouts, excluding mandatory minicamp. Jackson has already missed too many sessions to qualify for this year’s bonus. This bonus structure will be available again in 2025, 2026, and 2027 under the same terms.

Shanna McCarriston of CBS Sports noted that Jackson has missed four of the Ravens’ first five OTA sessions. Despite the lost bonus, Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, signed a substantial five-year, $260 million contract with $185 million guaranteed last year. Given his significant earnings, the forfeiture of $750,000 might not be a major financial hit for him.

Jackson’s absence from these voluntary workouts isn’t considered a major concern. His performance since becoming the starting quarterback in 2018 has been exceptional, leading a highly effective offense. While a Super Bowl appearance remains elusive, Jackson has consistently excelled, culminating in the Ravens’ recent AFC Championship Game appearance. Ultimately, these offseason workouts are voluntary, and Jackson’s choice to skip them and miss the bonus doesn’t worry his fans or diminish his value to the team.

The Ravens have bigger problems, namely overcoming the dynasty that is Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. They aren’t going to figure out how to do that in May and June in OTA’s. But September 5 is circled on the calendar, as the Ravens are visiting the defending Super Bowl champions in the league opener.