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Lamar Jackson Returns After OTA Absence, Bonus Missed

5/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Coach Jesse Minter announced that quarterback Lamar Jackson will return after missing the May 19, 2026 OTA.
Minter called Jackson a leader of the offseason program and cited “a couple things” for his absence.
Jackson missed the 80 % attendance target for his $750,000 bonus in both 2024 and 2025.
He is on a five-year, $260 million deal with $185 million guaranteed and becomes a free agent in March 2028.

History

Historical Context

After the owners locked out players from March 12 to July 25, 2011, the NFL and the NFLPA negotiated a new CBA that introduced salary guarantees, higher revenue shares and a rookie wage scale. Those contract reforms still shape roster moves, as Baltimore Ravens coach Jesse Minter confirmed quarterback Lamar Jackson’s return to camp in 2026.

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Story summary

Coach Jesse Minter announced that quarterback Lamar Jackson will return after missing the May 19, 2026 OTA.
Minter called Jackson a leader of the offseason program and cited “a couple things” for his absence.
Jackson missed the 80 % attendance target for his $750,000 bonus in both 2024 and 2025.
He is on a five-year, $260 million deal with $185 million guaranteed and becomes a free agent in March 2028.

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