Lamar Jackson Faces Backlash for Big $1.5 Million Decision
Lamar Jackson Faces Backlash for Big $1.5 Million Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Baltimore Ravens have wrapped up voluntary OTAs, and the most noticeable absence was star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who chose to skip the sessions for the second consecutive year.
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That decision carries financial consequences due to the structure of Jackson's contract. Much like the approach often used by the Dallas Cowboys, the deal Jackson signed in 2023 includes annual $750,000 workout bonuses in 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027. To earn each bonus, Jackson is required to attend at least 80% of the team's offseason workouts.
Now, after missing workouts for a second straight year, Jackson has forfeited a total of $1.5 million in potential bonus money.
Jackson has faced backlash from fans who believe he should be attending workouts, especially after multiple playoff exits.
A fan said, "Maybe they'd beat the Chiefs if he gave a [explicit]."
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Someone else added, "Why did his 'agent' allow that money to be put into workouts he had no intention of attending?"
Another fan posted, "Another example of why he will never win a Super Bowl. Tom Brady never missed these workouts btw, and he was levels above you pal."
"He should never complain about a contract ever again. If you can afford to not collect 1.5 million," one more fan commented.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8).Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Showing up to voluntary workouts or not has not noticeably affected Jackson's on-field performance, as he has consistently been one of the NFL's best players year after year.
That said, as the leader of a franchise, there are expectations that come with the role. When you don't have the ultimate goal—a Lombardi Trophy—to show for it, especially when your peers like Patrick Mahomes do, it naturally invites some criticism and heat.
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Related: Patrick Mahomes and Wife Brittany's Interaction With Tom Brady at Miami Party Grabs Attention
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
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