BALTIMORE — Quarterback Lamar Jackson tweeted Friday that he plans to attend the Ravens’ organized team activities, lashing out at an NFL analyst who questioned why Jackson would miss the first week of the team’s voluntary practices.
“This part of OTAs is Voluntary my Guy,” Jackson wrote, responding to a video in which NBC analyst and former NFL quarterback Chris Simms said he didn’t understand why a young quarterback would skip OTAs. “I will be there, just not on your watch.”
Jackson, who didn’t say when he planned to return, added that there were “probably other QBs not attending Voluntary OTAs either but since it’s Lamar it’s a huge deal. Find something else to talk about.” He ended the tweet with an eye-roll emoji and, in a subsequent message, tagged his private quarterback tutor, Adam Dedeaux.
Only three other projected starting quarterbacks missed the first week of OTAs: the Arizona Cardinals’ Kyler Murray, who’s seeking a long-term contract extension, and the Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Tom Brady, both established veterans.
Jackson, the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player, is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and general manager Eric DeCosta said in February that the team was moving at “Lamar’s pace” in contract negotiations. Ravens officials have said they remain committed to signing Jackson to a long-term extension, but if a deal cannot be reached, the team is expected to place the franchise tag on him next year.
Jackson has worked out with Ravens wide receivers this offseason, but he missed Tuesday’s first voluntary workout in Owings Mills, the first no-show of his career, along with several other veteran starters. “Can’t wait to get back,” he tweeted afterward. After Jackson missed Wednesday’s open practice, coach John Harbaugh and teammates were asked about his absence.
“We’ve been down this road many times through the years,” Harbaugh said. “So I’ll just let Lamar speak for himself on that. It’s for him to talk about. You can ask him.”
“I know Lamar has been training a lot, but we’ve had a big attendance,” cornerback Marlon Humphrey said. “I know Lamar will be here soon. … If it was training camp, it would be really bad, but I think as long as guys are working, no matter where they are, that’s the biggest key.”
The Ravens have seven OTA practices remaining on their schedule over the next two weeks before a three-day mandatory minicamp in mid-June, which Jackson will be expected to attend.
