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PHOENIX – New Baltimore Ravens coach Jesse Minter is unsure if Lamar Jackson will participate in the team’s voluntary workouts that begin next week.
"I think he's excited about opportunities in the offseason program. We'll see on April 6,” Minter said March 31 at the NFL’s owners meetings. “We'll see who all walks in the door."
By NFL rule, teams that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2025 season can begin offseason workout programs on April 6.
Minter doesn’t know if Jackson will show up to voluntary workouts. But the coach described Jackson as “excited” for the fresh start with a new regime.
“He's excited for us to connect, for us to build a relationship, for us to trust each other, for us to be able to talk through things, for us to take his input on things. But also, being willing to talk through it, and not just go with something,” Minter said of the ninth-year QB. “I'm just excited about him. 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. Just excited to continue for him, to continue to grow and evolve and become and become an even better version of Lamar.
“I know Lamar's excited. I think he is excited about some of the changes. 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 has customarily missed voluntary workouts throughout his career. He missed eight of the nine on-field practices prior to mandatory minicamp last year, but it would behoove Jackson to show up this year just for optics alone.
The Ravens have a first-year head coach and are integrating a new offensive system with new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.
As the face of the Ravens franchise, Jackson should be in attendance. His participation will show leadership.
Jackson is a two-time MVP and one of the three best quarterbacks in the league. He deserves the benefit of the doubt. But on the other hand, Jackson is coming off an injury-plagued season that limited him to 13 starts. He had his first losing record as a starter and the Ravens were on vacation during the postseason despite a Super Bowl-caliber roster, a disappointment that necessitated coach John Harbaugh losing his job.
So yes, coming off of last year’s nightmare, the Ravens franchise quarterback should be in attendance at voluntary workouts.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Ravens QB Lamar Jackson participate in voluntary workouts? He should
