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Crows have a unique and largely unprecedented problem. And they have no idea how to solve it.

Lamar Jackson’s long-term status with the team remains a mystery. He will not share a contract with the team, although the team is ready to give him a big new deal. He insists he does not want to leave, but does not act as if he wants to stay.

four weeks ago, he complained On social media about the team’s decision to trade in the Hollywood Brown receiver, though Jackson knew Brown wanted out.

Now, Jackson is skipping OTAs. The Crows underestimate her, because they have no choice. They will underestimate everything Jackson does or doesn’t do – until they get angry enough at Jackson to get away with it.

Here’s the simple truth. Although the Offseason program is mandatory, OTAs are football practices that allow teams to establish a lot of offensive and defensive play rules for the upcoming season. There is value in having key players there, especially the midfielder.

In fact, if the team’s assessment of Jackson’s contract status is accurate, that’s all the more reason for Jackson to attend.

“The kid is so obsessed with winning the Super Bowl, and I think deep down, Doesn’t think it’s worthOwner Steve Bisciotti said in March. “I think he wants to say this, ‘Now, I deserve to be on top. “

Fine. But to reach the top, he has to climb. The ascent is happening now, during OTAs. If Jackson had hoped for a special season, the groundwork for a special season would now be laid.

From 2018 to 2021, Jackson attended OTAs. So why skip them now?

It’s all part of the mystery that crows neither want nor need. He confirms that there are very real questions about whether any year will be his last year with the team.