Lamar Jackson's Attendance for Voluntary Workouts 'Speaks Volumes'
Lamar Jackson's otherworldly ability to escape from collapsing pockets, juke defenders, and complete jaw-dropping throws makes him a human highlight.
On Monday morning, a new clip of Jackson grabbed the attention of the NFL world. The video shared by the Ravens on social media simply showed the speedy quarterback walking in slow motion.
It might not have been spectacular, but the two-time MVP's arrival at the Under Armour Performance Center on Day 1 of the voluntary offseason program is significant.
Jackson's attendance was an uncertainty, but him (and other team leaders) showing up set the tone for the first offseason for Head Coach Jesse Minter and Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle.
Here's a look at what pundits said about Jackson reporting for the first day of voluntary workouts:
ESPN’s Damien Woody: "It doesn't count in the win-loss record, but it matters. It matters in the organization. You have all this change with the Baltimore Ravens – new head coach, play-caller who's calling plays for the first time. To have your guy who's the face of the organization in the building for the very first day, it literally sets the tone for what 2026 could be for the Baltimore Ravens."
"Speakeasy's Emmanuel Acho: "Being there at voluntary workouts lets everybody in the building know 'I'm willing to work just as hard as you, 53rd person on the depth chart, 90th person on the depth chart. Even though I am the first person on the depth chart, I will grind like the 90th person on the depth chart. Jesse Minter, you've never been a coach before? I've got your back. I am going to make sure you know I am all in. Whatever you need, I'm here for it.' Lamar ain't gotta be there … because it's not mandatory. So Lamar Jackson being there is a huge step in the right direction."
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport: "Lamar Jackson showing up on Day 1 for a new head coach at a time when he almost never shows up in the facility – he's putting in work, he's on social media, he's doing the cool slow-mo walk – this feels significant. This feels like a quarterback that at least on the surface buys into what the new head coach and the organization wants and is thinking this is a very good sign for those in the locker room. … It just seems like Lamar Jackson likes what he's heard."
The Baltimore Banner’s Kyle Goon: "Jackson's mere attendance speaks volumes to his personal buy-in. After he passed on a $750,000 contract stipulation last season, we know what Jackson is willing to trade for not coming to OTAs. How much more would his presence in Owings Mills be worth? For new Head Coach Jesse Minter and his relatively young staff, it's a wind at their back that the team's best returning player is here to start things off. For General Manager Eric DeCosta, it's a public sign that maybe Jackson is excited to keep discussing a contract extension. For all the other Ravens players, it's an example."
Sporting News’ Adam Schultz: "It is a great sign that Lamar was not only in attendance for Day 1 of the offseason program but also actually worked out. Still without a new contract, there was a thought that Lamar could sit out as he awaits a new deal, but he chose to do the team thing, and this sets a great standard for the rest of the team. With the Ravens under pressure to deliver in 2026, which is a little tough on first-time head coach Minter, having Lamar there and present on Day 1 speaks volumes about how Jackson is treating this offseason."
Ebony Bird’s Connor Burke: "In the past, Jackson's attendance for voluntary workouts has been spotty. They're voluntary, but it's still something that he has been criticized for, whether you deem it necessary or not. On Monday, the Ravens began Phase 1 of their offseason program, and Lamar Jackson made a statement without even saying a word. There was some uncertainty around Jackson's attendance at these offseason workouts, but he made his stance clear. He's ready to go."
A to Z Sports’ Kyle Crabbs: "This is just the first step by all parties in Baltimore. Lamar Jackson being ready to roll. The Ravens' organization opening their doors for 2026. And by both parties coming together at the beginning, I believe it bodes well for where the open-ended parts of this relationship stand."
Ravens Named Potential Landing Spot for Dexter Lawrence if He's Traded
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has reportedly requested a trade, and the Ravens have been named a potential landing spot for the three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro if his request is granted.
"From John Harbaugh's current team to his former one? Maybe it seems unlikely on the surface, but there are several reasons for the Ravens to land on this list," CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles wrote. "First, the status of Nnamdi Madubuike is very much up in the air. He suffered a neck injury early last season and did not return. The Ravens really struggled to replace his disruption against the pass and finished with their second-lowest sack rate in franchise history. They have attempted to fix that with the Trey Hendrickson signing.
"Second, it's worth noting GM Eric DeCosta said he envisioned pairing Hendrickson with Maxx Crosby, the other star defender they were keen on adding before backing out of the trade and switching their focus to Hendrickson. … The Ravens are clearly willing to pay to add a premier talent. And third, the Ravens have the money."
Ravens Wire’s Glenn Erby also thinks the Ravens should consider pursuing Lawrence if he's on the trade block.
"The Ravens don't have many pressing needs, but adding an impact defensive tackle could be a priority depending on what news comes out about the future of Pro Bowler Nnamdi Madubuike," Erby wrote.
Lawrence, 28, signed a four-year, $90 million extension with the Giants in 2023, but negotiations for a new deal have stalled.
Lawrence is coming off his least productive season. He had 0.5 sacks last year after recording a career-high nine sacks in 2024.
Analytics Show Ravens Are Best Fit for Top Offensive Line Prospect
Next Gen Stats research analyst James Reber looked at the ideal fits for 20 first-round prospects based on analytics and each team's draft slot.
The Ravens, who have the 14th-overall pick, were named the best match for Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano.
"Fano's All-American production and standout performance at the combine earned him an NGS overall draft score of 89, the highest mark of any offensive lineman in this class," Reber wrote. "He has a smaller stature than most other tackles in the class, which suggests he might function better on the interior. Fano took reps at center at the end of the combine to display his versatility and willingness to adjust to his future team's needs. In Baltimore, he could replace Tyler Linderbaum if he's a quick study at the pivot, and he could be ready to step in for [left tackle] Ronnie Stanley at a moment's notice."
Fano has been a popular pick for the Ravens in mock drafts. The other offensive lineman most often linked to Baltimore is Penn State's Vega Ioane.
Reber named the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have the 21st-overall pick, as the ideal fit for Ioane.
