Lamar Jackson’s offseason absence costs him $750,000

As explained earlier today, franchise quarterbacks who stay away from voluntary OTAs likely have a reason for not being with their teams. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson probably has a good reason.

There’s another reason Jackson has a good reason not to be there. After further review of his 2023 contract, Jackson enjoys annual offseason workout bonuses of $750,000.

To qualify, he must participate in 80 percent of off-season practices, excluding mandatory minicamp. He’s already missed too many practices, we’re told, to win the $750,000 this year.

An identical payment, with identical terms, is available in 2025, 2026 and 2027.

The $750,000 annual payment was initially considered off-season roster bonuses. This is not the case; These are training bonuses. Not getting the bonus drops his 2024 compensation from $32.5 million to $31.75 million.

Looked at that way, it doesn’t represent a huge impact on his total salary. Still, $750,000 is $750,000. And, for some reason, $750,000 is gone forever.