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Lamar Jackson’s Unexpected Decision Could Cost Baltimore Ravens $750K

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Will Chesanek | Last updated Apr 6, 2026 4:52 PM ET

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens did not have the 2025 NFL season they originally planned on. Missing the playoffs entirely, the Ravens finished with an 8-9 record, good enough for second place in the AFC North behind the Aaron Rodgers-led Pittsburgh Steelers at 10-7.

After finishing second in the MVP race behind Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen in 2024, Jackson was unable to recreate that success in 2025. Baltimore's star quarterback had an injury-plagued season, missing four total games. His 2,549 passing yards on 63.6% completion for 21 passing touchdowns were all his lowest totals since 2022, when he accounted for 2,242 passing yards on 62.3% completion for 17 touchdowns.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) - Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsMark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With multiple seasons dashing for over 1,000 rushing yards, including 915 in 2024, Jackson's injuries hampered his ability to run like before. He had career lows in rushing yards (349) and carries (67), while tying his 2021 season for career low in rushing touchdowns (2). His average yards per carry (5.2) was his lowest since his rookie year in 2018 (4.7).

Baltimore decided to fire longtime head coach John Harbaugh after his lackluster 18th season in Charm City, replacing him with former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. It appears the former MVP quarterback is taking well to the new head coach, as he is participating in voluntary workouts. There's a $750,000 workout bonus tied to showing up for at least 80 percent of the offseason program. In 2024 and 2025, he waived the $750,000.

Baltimore took to social media to show Jackson participating in the workouts. In a post on X, the video first shows Jackson running through cone drills, followed by him running sprints, and finished with him doing pull-ups.

"QB1 setting the tone‼️," the Ravens wrote.