Lamar Jackson is fully embracing the new era of Ravens football.
The two-time MVP reported Monday to the opening of Baltimore’s first voluntary offseason workout under new coach Jesse Minter.
Minter took over for current Giants coach John Harbaugh, who was fired by the Ravens after 18 seasons and a Super Bowl win as the only NFL coach Jackson has ever known.
Baltimore made a big deal over Jackson’s arrival, posting videos of him arriving at the facility and participating in drills and workouts during Phase 1 of the offseason program.
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Minter was uncertain of Jackson’s status for the start of workouts, last week at the NFL meetings in Phoenix.
“I know Lamar’s excited. I think he is excited about some of the changes,” Minter told reporters 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.”
Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts on the sideline during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans. Getty Images
Jackson, 29, hasn’t been a regular at voluntary during his eight-year career. He even sat out eight of nine practices before the opening of mandatory minicamp last season.
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The Ravens are coming off one of their most disappointing seasons in recent years, going just 8-9 with Jackson 6-7 at the starter after he missed four games because of injury. Baltimore missed the playoffs by one game, losing to the rival Steelers 26-24 in their season finale.
Jackson still threw for 2,549 yards with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 63.6 percent of his passes.
His apparent buy-in will be a key early for Minter, who is coming over after being the Chargers defensive coordinator the past two seasons.
