Lamar Jackson reveals plans for voluntary springtime workouts

Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson is committed to attending voluntary organized team activities, in part so he can grow comfortable working under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. 

"New offense," Jackson said about participating in the springtime workouts, as shared by Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "Had to get that down pat before the season rolls in because the season’s getting there. We’ve got a couple months left, but still just wanted to learn the new offense and be with my guys." 

Jackson and the Ravens ended a tense contract standoff when the parties agreed to a five-year deal reportedly worth up to $260M with $185M in guaranteed cash in April. The Most Valuable Player for the 2019 NFL season reported to the club for its second OTA session on Tuesday and returned to the practice field Wednesday. 

"Actually, coach Todd Monken reached out to me," Jackson explained about previous chats with his new coordinator, per Clifton Brown of the Ravens' website. "We spoke a couple times, and I heard from the guys that the offense is looking pretty smooth. I just got my iPad a couple days ago, and from what I've seen, it looks different. I'm liking it so far."

Meanwhile, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh indicated he wanted Jackson leading the offense through what are often viewed as meaningless sessions ahead of Memorial Day. 

"I’m happy with the numbers, we’ve got a lot of guys here," Harbaugh said about players participating in OTAs, according to PFT's Michael David Smith. "I think it’s important. I’m a coach. I want everybody here. I want every player here all the time, doing everything they can." 

Smith added that some Baltimore players, such as free-agent signing Odell Beckham Jr. and tight end Mark Andrews, are training away from the club during OTAs. Monken insisted those individuals "are working hard" but also seemed somewhat annoyed regarding the absences. 

"We look forward to getting them here and getting up to speed to what we're doing offensively," Monken continued. "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."

Monken's words offered a reminder that coaches often define "voluntary" quite differently than players at this time of year.