How Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson missed out on $750K in bonuses

Widely regarded as the most dangerous dual-threat quarterback in the league, the reigning MVP has always had his own way of doing things. Though some may question his choice to train on his own for the moment, and of course the price he’s had to pay because of it, but if reports are true about his progress, it could pay off in a much bigger way.

Lamar Jackson’s $750K forfeiture explained

As you likely know, all teams in the NFL start their preseasons with voluntary workouts before actual training camp begins. These sessions offer an opportunity for players to reconnect following their break while getting a head start on preparation for the coming season. What they also provide for some players is a possible payday in the form of bonuses which are understandably tied to contractual incentives. Now, that’s where we come to Baltimore Ravens quarterback, Lamar Jackson, who reportedly lost out on $750,000 in workout bonuses due to his absence during the OTAs.

Indeed, reports indicate that Jackson’s contract includes a condition wherein he must participate in 80% of off-season workouts in order to be eligible for a $750,000 bonus. This of course excludes mandatory minicamp. To that end, with the 27-year-old having already missed the large majority of sessions so far, he won’t be picking up that cheque. Of course, it’s not likely that will make a significant dent in Jackson’s earnings in light of the five-year, $260 million extension that he signed last offseason.

Regarding why Jackson has been absent from the OTAs, that would be due to the fact that he’s been busy with an intense personal training regimen which has seen him drop down to 205lbs, which is 10 pounds lighter than what he weighed this past season. Considering that he notched career highs in passing completion (67.2%) as well as yards (3,678) to go with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions while rushing for a further 821 yards and five touchdowns on a league-leading average of 5.5 yards per rush, it would be safe to say that this news does not bode well for the rest of the league. Jackson and Co. will open their 2024 campaign with a Game against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, the team that beat them in the AFC Championship Game before going on to win its second consecutive title.