Lamar Jackson Not in Attendance for Ravens' Voluntary Team Activity After Contract

Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson is back in the fold after agreeing to a new contract that made him the highest-paid player in the NFL, but he's reportedly still taking his time before rejoining the team on the field.

ESPN's Jamison Hensley reported on Wednesday that Jackson is not in attendance for Baltimore's voluntary team activity. The team doesn't begin OTAs until May 22.

After a contentious negotiation that dated back to before the 2022 season, Jackson and the Ravens agreed to a five-year contract worth $260 million with $185 million guaranteed. His annual salary of $52 million surpassed the massive extension Jalen Hurts signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Hensley pointed out that the Ravens are installing a new offense this offseason after the hiring of Todd Monken as offensive coordinator. Baltimore also added a couple of new receivers to bolster the passing attack, including three-time Pro Bowler Odell Beckham Jr., veteran Nelson Agholor and No. 23 pick Zay Flowers.

While it would behoove Jackson to take as much time to get familiar with his new targets and the new offensive system, his new play-caller doesn't sound worried about his absence from voluntary workouts.

"I know Lamar's working hard. I know the guys that are here are working hard, they're pros, and when they're here, they're here. We look forward to getting them here and getting them up to speed to what we're doing offensively," Monken told reporters on Wednesday. "I think that's probably the biggest challenge, but it's football. When they get here, they get here, and we'll get them up to speed."

Jackson also was forced to miss time late in the season because of a knee injury, the second straight year he's been limited to 12 games because of an injury. He said during his press conference last week that he's recovered from the PCL sprain and he passed his physical after signing the new deal.

The Ravens are likely unbothered by Jackson's absence from voluntary workouts, as they are hoping he'll be fully healthy and able to lead them to a deep playoff run in 2023.