It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has decided against attending the team’s voluntary offseason workouts.
The former MVP technically isn’t under contract as he’s yet to sign the franchise tag Baltimore extended his way so it’s hard to imagine he’ll show up anywhere until he signs his name on the dotted line of a long-term contract.
Lamar Jackson won’t show up for the start of offseason workouts, as expected. The sooner he and the Ravens work out a deal that gets him in the door, the better off everyone will be. https://t.co/FNQpY18m1v
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 17, 2023
Although, as PFT’s Mike Florio points out:
There’s a common misconception regarding unsigned franchise-tagged players. While they routinely don’t show up, they’re not prevented from doing so. With a simple letter of protection, which would guarantee their franchise pay in the event of a serious injury, they can show up.
The Ravens recently signed wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. leading many to believe that it would be enough to “sweeten the pot” for Lamar’s return.
However, Jackson has remained steadfast in his stance that he’s willing to stay away until his contract demands (or trade requests) are met.