Savant of the gridiron savannah missing OTAs(Florio article warning

[Rainbarrel]

Two-time MVP Jamar Jackson has stayed away from most of the Ravens’ OTAs. He’s the only offensive starter in Baltimore who isn’t attending the voluntary workouts.

On one hand, it’s definitely voluntary. Players have no obligation to attend. He’s fully in compliance with his contract and the Collective Bargaining Agreement, by staying away. He’s fully within his rights. He’s doing nothing wrong.

On the other hand, why wouldn’t he volunteer to show up? He’s the quarterback. The leader of the team. He’s making $52 million per year.

Last season, the Ravens failed for the second time in his career to turn the No. 1 seed into a Super Bowl berth. The Chiefs, in contrast, keep pushing. Their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, is working out with teammates at OTAs and on his own time.

As Mike Tomlin says, “We want volunteers, not hostages.” Why wouldn’t any quarterback who hopes to get the most out of his skills and to be as prepared as possible for the coming season not volunteer to be there? What else is he going to do?

Jackson’s team has gathered for practices. He’s the leader of it. Why wouldn’t he choose to be present?

Most players who stay away from OTAs have a reason for it. Often, it’s contractual. Jackson got his last year, and he’s under contract for four more seasons. There’s no reason to think he’s miffed about his financial situation.

But what about this? If they’d paid Lamar after he first became eligible (after the 2020 season), he would have made a lot more in 2021 and 2022 — and he’d be getting close to a third deal. In the year since he signed his latest deal, the cap has gone up and the market has begun to pass him by. Jared Goff has already leapfrogged Lamar. Dak Prescott will do so, sooner or later. Tua and Trevor Lawrence are closing in on potentially matching and beating Lamar, too.

Whatever the reason, here’s hoping there’s a reason for Lamar not being there. A strategic purpose for not working with his teammates and preparing for the second season of the Todd Monken offense.

Again, it’s voluntary. But when the team is otherwise together and you’re the unquestioned leader of it, where else would you volunteer to be?

While there’s no guarantee that participating now will make the player or the team any better when the season rolls around, it definitely won’t make the player or the team worse.

[poolboy]

isnt that more Mike Florio Broadcaster bs ?

[smithandrew051]

I dunno. Running backs can pick up the play book pretty quickly.

Would be concerning if a QB missed.

[ChiliConCarnage]

Originally Posted by TLO

Jamar?

Think he's one of Michaels brothers

[Coochie liquor]

LameArm

[Bump]

Probably smart, he knows there's no way he can stop the 3 peat so why bother trying?

[ThaVirus]

Eh, not sure this means much. Idk what goes on at OTAs but if they’re voluntary it can’t be much.

This is just an optics thing.

He just got a nice new deal with no agent fees cutting into it so he should just show up to look good.

[Marcellus]

The 12 different pass play they run don't take long to memorize.

[Flying High D]

Lamar be making his own damn rules.

[gordonelloyd]

It goes to character. And it reinforces what we’ve already learned, that Lamar doesn’t have the kind of character that will win for his team in the big games, especially when he faces the Chiefs and Mahomes.

I don’t understand why more quarterbacks don’t do what Mahomes does when he invites receivers to Just throw and catch with him in the off-season. It seems like such a good idea if you are committed to winning. We are so lucky to have him, not just because of his skills, but because of his character.

[Bearcat]

He's also missed out on a $750k offseason workout bonus, because you know, two time *regular season MVPs need extra incentive to stay in shape and apparently that wasn't even enough.

[Rainbarrel]

The Frank Clark type stomach issues, rumors. Should start anytime now

[Pablo]

All of our threats in the AFC aren't even threats. No heart, no guts from these guys.

Entire AFCN is baby shit soft.

[Rasputin]

He's just practicing to not show up in the playoffs.

[ThaVirus]

Originally Posted by Bearcat

He's also missed out on a $750k offseason workout bonus, because you know, two time *regular season MVPs need extra incentive to stay in shape and apparently that wasn't even enough.

I just looked it and up and he’s due $14.25m in base salary and $17.5m of his signing bonus in 2024.. makes letting that $750k go a lot more palatable but DAMN. I can’t imagine walking away from that.

Just show up for a few days and cash that check and give it away to family and friends! Give it to me. Something! Anything!

[Bearcat]

Originally Posted by ThaVirus

I just looked it and up and he’s due $14.25m in base salary and $17.5m of his signing bonus in 2024.. makes letting that $750k go a lot more palatable but DAMN. I can’t imagine walking away from that.

Just show up for a few days and cash that check and give it away to family and friends! Give it to me. Something! Anything!

I read he had to make 80% of the workouts, but didn't see anyone report on the number of total workouts.

Maybe he was just super confused on workout% versus total workouts.