Former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson will snub pre-season workouts amid a contract standoff with the Baltimore Ravens.
The 26-year-old and the Ravens have been unable to agree to new terms, and so the NFL outfit put a non-exclusive franchise tag on the quarterback, allowing the player to negotiate with other teams but Baltimore will have the opportunity to match the offer on the table. Jackson also revealed last month that he had requested a trade away from the Ravens at the start of March.
Baltimore has brought in one of Jackson’s friends, free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr, but reports suggest they’ll have to get DeAndre Hopkins as well to help rebuild bridges with their star player.
So with Jackson’s current contract situation, it comes of no surprise that he will not report to pre-season workouts. Since Jackson is unsigned and the workouts are voluntary, the quarterback is expected to be a no-show.
In fact, unless an agreement is close to being reached, or sealed entirely, it’s unlikely Jackson will be seen near the Ravens’ training facilities. Jackson’s absence is also precautionary to avoid potential injury. An unsigned player could participate but on the grounds of a letter of protection being signed. That would mean the team will pay if they get hurt.
Whether Jackson is part of the Ravens for 2023 is yet to be determined. According to ESPN's Jamison Hensley, Jackson wants a contract that is fully guaranteed, like the one Deshaun Watson got from the rival Cleveland Browns.
Teams are interested in acquiring the blockbuster quarterback, however offers are yet to be put in front of Jackson. He turned down an offer that included $133million (£106.9m) in full guarantees from the Ravens, meaning a move away will be costly for any franchise. The Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts have been linked.
And to cover their backs, Baltimore are meeting with NFL Draft prospect Anthony Richardson on Wednesday. The Ravens will pick 22nd overall, meaning the top-tier quarterbacks in the draft like Alabama Crimson Tide’s Bryce Young and CJ Stroud of the Ohio State Buckeyes are out of reach.
Richardson, 20, who has starred for three years in college for Florida, is expected to be a later first-round pick.
