The Baltimore Ravens are entering a transformative era under new leadership, but as the team prepares to kick off its 2026 spring program, a familiar question has surfaced regarding the franchise's centerpiece. With the voluntary portion of the schedule set to begin next week, Head Coach Jesse Minter expressed uncertainty regarding the participation level of two-time MVP Lamar Jackson in the upcoming Lamar Jackson offseason workouts.
Jesse Minter Addresses the Quarterback's Status
During a press conference on Tuesday, Jesse Minter, who took over as the Ravens' head coach in January 2026, was asked directly if he expected his star quarterback to be in the building for the start of the voluntary sessions. Minter, arriving in Baltimore after a successful two-year stint as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, remained non-committal about Jackson's immediate return to the facility.
"I'm not sure yet," Minter stated when asked about Jackson's participation. "We’ve had great communication throughout the winter, but these early phases are voluntary. We’d love to have everyone here, but we also respect the veteran process and the time these guys need to get their bodies right for a long season."
A New Era in Baltimore
The 2026 offseason marks a significant departure from the status quo in Baltimore. Following the firing of long-time head coach John Harbaugh in January, the Ravens have pivoted to Minter to lead the locker room. This transition makes the attendance of veteran leaders like Jackson a primary focus for fans and analysts alike. While Jackson is intimately familiar with the Ravens' organization, he is currently navigating his first offseason under a head coach other than Harbaugh since entering the league.
The Transition to Declan Doyle’s Offense
Perhaps the most compelling reason for Jackson to attend the voluntary sessions is the arrival of new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Doyle replaces Todd Monken, who led the unit during Jackson's 2023 MVP campaign and the subsequent 2024 and 2025 seasons. With a new play-caller at the helm, the Lamar Jackson offseason workouts take on added importance as the quarterback looks to master a fresh terminology and schematic approach before the mandatory minicamp begins in June.
Understanding the NFL Offseason Phases
It is important to note that the workouts beginning next week fall under the "voluntary" umbrella of the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. The program is structured into three distinct phases, each allowing for progressively more football activity:
- Phase One: Lasts two weeks and is limited to strength and conditioning, physical rehabilitation, and meetings. No on-field coaching is permitted.
- Phase Two: Spans three weeks and includes on-field workouts. Coaches can lead individual and group drills, but team-on-team drills (offense vs. defense) remain prohibited.
- Phase Three: The final four weeks of the program, featuring 10 days of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and a mandatory minicamp. This is the only portion of the spring where 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills are allowed.
Because Phase One is restricted primarily to the weight room, many elite quarterbacks across the NFL choose to conduct their own private training sessions with personal coaches and teammates at off-site locations. Jackson has utilized this approach in the past, often hosting his own throwing sessions in Florida before reporting to Baltimore for the more intensive Phase Three drills.
Why Jackson’s Presence Matters in 2026
While the "voluntary" label provides players with flexibility, the context of the 2026 Ravens makes Jackson’s potential absence a major talking point. After a disappointing end to the 2025 season that led to a complete overhaul of the coaching staff, the organization is looking for stability. Having the face of the franchise present to build rapport with Minter and Doyle would send a strong message of unity as the team attempts to return to the top of the AFC North.
Minter, however, seems unfazed by the possibility of a late start for his quarterback. Having spent years in the NFL and collegiate ranks, Minter understands that veteran participation in April rarely dictates success in December. "Lamar is a professional and a fierce competitor," Minter added. "Whenever he’s here, he’s all-in. Our job as a staff is to make sure the foundation is ready for him whenever he walks through those doors."
As the Ravens' voluntary program officially begins next week, all eyes will be on the Under Armour Performance Center to see if Number 8 makes an early appearance or continues his tradition of independent spring preparation.
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