PHOENIX — Baltimore Ravens coach Jesse Minter is unsure about quarterback Lamar Jackson‘s level of participation in the team’s voluntary offseason workout program, which begins next week.
“I know Lamar’s excited. I think he is excited about some of the changes,” Minter said Tuesday at the NFL league meeting. “We’ve had a lot of good connection points, but the offseason program is voluntary. We’re excited to get a chance to work with all the guys, whoever wants to show up. We feel confident that a lot of guys will be there.”
Jackson, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, has maintained a high level of production despite skipping most of the voluntary workouts in his eight-year NFL career. Last spring, he didn’t attend eight of the nine on-field practices before mandatory minicamp.
But Jackson and the Ravens are facing a bigger adjustment period this offseason. Baltimore has a new head coach in Minter and a new offensive system with first-year playcaller Declan Doyle.
Asked if he would characterize Jackson’s availability for the voluntary workouts as up in the air, Minter replied, “I think he’s excited about opportunities in the offseason program. And again, we’ll see on April 6th. We’ll see who all walks in the door.”
Baltimore’s offseason program begins on Monday, April 6, and the on-field practices will start in May. The Raven’s mandatory minicamp is June 9 through June 11.
Jackson, 29, has been among the best dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history. He is currently tied for the best career passer rating (102.2) and has produced the most rushing yards ever by a quarterback (6,522).
But Jackson is coming off a year in which he recorded his first losing season as a starter (6-7) and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
“I’m just excited about him,” Minter said. “You don’t become the level of player that he has without a great work ethic, without being a great teammate, without being a leader. And so just excited for him to continue to grow and evolve and become an even better version of Lamar.”
