Jackson, of course, has shown his dignity with his performance during the season, earning NFL MVP honors in 2019, winning two trips to the Pro Bowl and taking Baltimore to three playoff appearances in four seasons. It has become the focal point around which Baltimore has built its offensive, and a healthy return will bring a new set of expectations for the Ravens in 2022.
More importantly, an unresolved contract situation also carries some concern. Jackson has yet to involve the Ravens in meaningful discussions about an overtime, which will likely contribute to his decision to delay his arrival for the voluntary part of Baltimore’s low-season activities.
This lack of discussion should be more troubling than Jackson not attending in late May. As tight end Mark Andrews said earlier this week, the Ravens “know how hard they’re working.” But without the security of an extension, the Ravens still can’t confidently believe they’ll have Jackson in the long run, even if a life without the QB star isn’t understandable at the moment.
As a professional athlete, Jackson is expected to prepare physically and mentally for next season. And as he tweeted Friday, he’s preparing accordingly, it just doesn’t happen in Owings Mills, Maryland.