Star quarterback Lamar Jackson may be up for a contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens, but his current deal includes bonus that could still go into effect … if necessary.
Jackson has chosen to skip voluntary workouts at Ravens’ OTAs for the second consecutive year, now forcing him to miss out on this add-on to his salary.
The quarterback’s five-year, $260 million contract includes a feature that states he can earn a $750,000 bonus if he attends at least 80 percent of the team’s workouts. The agreement is in play for the next three years, as well.
But due to his absence, Jackson has now forfeited $1.5 million of bonus over the last two seasons by skipping the team’s organized team activities.
As Pro Football Talk also notes, Jackson could be at greater risk within his contract terms.
If he is working out away from the facility – like many expect he is – and gets injured, it would qualify as a “non-football injury” which could “allow the team to not pay him in 2025.”
Hopefully the Ravens won’t have to worry about the situation getting to that point, as they may not be too worried about whether or not he is at these preliminary practices to begin with.
If last year is an example, Jackson missing OTAs didn’t affect his performance on the field as he guided the Ravens to another division championship and was practically one dropped-pass away from a conference championship berth.
However, as the on-field leader and perennial MVP candidate, the expectation is that he would be a full participant in every opportunity to get any inch closer to the dream of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy for the first time – even if that is attending OTAs.
Plus, he could get three quarters of a million dollars in the process.
Or not.
Regardless, Jackson is expected to make his first appearance at the upcoming mandatory minicamp.
His contract extension is drawing predictions of exceeding the league record for average annual salary … of course, before practice bonuses.
Maybe the Ravens are better off getting ahead of things and excluding those terms from his next contract.
