Source – Lamar Jackson absent for OTAs, to be reported later

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Lamar Jackson has been out since the Baltimore Ravens OTAs began on Monday, but the former NFL MVP quarterback is expected to report to the team this week, a source told ESPN.

Jackson missed the first five weeks of the Ravens’ off-season training program, which is voluntary. The only mandatory part of off-season training is a three-day minicamp, which will be held June 13-15.

After signing his five-year, $260 million deal earlier this month, Jackson was asked if he’ll be at the start of OTAs. “I’ll be here soon,” Jackson said on May 4. “I’ll be here soon.”

This year, Jackson will learn a new offensive system and terminology under Todd Monken, who replaced Greg Roman as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator. Jackson will also get to grips with a new group of wide receivers after Baltimore signed Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor in free agency and drafted Zay Flowers in the first round.

Two weeks ago, Monken said the team was in “constant communication” with Jackson and indicated he was “working hard.” OTAs represent the first phase of the offseason program in which the attack can line up against the defense, but no direct contact is allowed. Teams can complete 10 days of OTA.

This is the second consecutive season that Jackson has not been present at the start of the OTAs. Last season, he skipped all voluntary offseason practices for the first time in his career and only showed up for minicamp when playing under the fifth-year option.

Jackson is now the highest-paid player in the NFL, averaging $52 million per season. He received a record signing bonus of $72.5 million, which ended contract negotiations that lasted two years.