Why Lamar Jackson’s Decision to Skip Offseason Workouts Costs Him $750,000: What It Means for His Future

Ravens coach John Harbaugh isn’t keeping track of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s attendance at offseason workouts. But someone in the organization certainly is.

This year, Jackson could earn $750,000 in workout bonuses for 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027, provided he attends at least 80% of these sessions. Last year, he missed out, and so far this year, he hasn’t gone to many, if any.

For Jackson, losing that bonus means his earnings drop from $43.5 million to $42.75 million in 2025. While it may sound like a lot, it’s just a tiny slice of his overall salary.

However, the stakes are higher than just the money. If Jackson is exercising away from team facilities and gets injured, it could be classified as a non-football injury. This could result in the Ravens not having to pay him in 2025, depending on their decision.

Last year at minicamp, Jackson chose not to comment on losing the bonus. He likely will do the same this year if asked again. Over two years, he has passed on $1.5 million due to his absence from workouts. If a new contract is on the horizon, Jackson might want to negotiate getting rid of these bonuses.

A recent survey from Fansided highlighted that many fans are concerned about Jackson’s commitment to the team. The missing workouts raise questions: Is he training effectively elsewhere or playing it safe by skipping the workouts?

While Jackson maintains a high skill level, his decisions could impact team dynamics and fan sentiment. It’s crucial for him to balance personal training with team expectations.

In the coming weeks, the Ravens’ approach to Jackson’s attendance could set the tone for the season. Team chemistry often starts in the offseason, and every workout missed might echo into the regular season.

For more on contractual pressures around the NFL, The Athletic offers deep insights into player negotiations and performance implications.



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