Ryan Mink

The Ravens' two-day mandatory minicamp kicks off this week, highlighted by the expected return of quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Here are the top storylines this week:

Jackson's return will get the offense humming.

After attending one of the Ravens' first organized team activities practices, Jackson sat out the rest of OTAs. He's expected back for minicamp, which will obviously elevate the offense and signal the next step in its buildup to the 2025 regular season.

"Once you see No. 8 running around, having fun, lighting up smiles around everybody, that's just a different level of joy that everybody on the field really goes up to," tight end Isaiah Likely said during OTAs.

Jackson was very sharp in his one OTA practice. Now he'll look to continue to build his rapport with new wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and his other targets.

Baltimore had the league's No. 1-ranked offense last season, but Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken is determined to make the unit even more efficient and explosive in Year 3 of his scheme. With Jackson back in the practice huddle, the installation of that offense commences.

Will there be movement on a Jackson contract extension?

General Manager Eric DeCota said earlier this month thatcontract negotiations have started with Jackson, including during OTAs.

"We've had some conversations before the draft, after the draft, in person last week," DeCosta told Jerry Coleman on theBMore Baseball Podcast."I think we're in the introductory sort of stage of looking at what an extension might look like."

Minicamp would be a convenient time for the two sides to continue those conversations.

Jackson signed a five-year, reported $260 million deal during the 2023 offseason that made him the NFL's highest-paid player at the time. He has a $43.5 million cap hit in 2025, per OvertheCap.com, that jumps to $74.5 million next season.

Head Coach John Harbaugh said at the NFL owners meetings in March that Jackson's next contract will again put him at the top.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen signed a six-year, reported $330 million ($250 million guaranteed) contract extension in March. The Cowboys' Dak Prescott currently tops the NFL with a contract averaging $60 million per season.

Don't expect Jackson, who hasn't spoken with reporters since last season ended, to shed much light on the situation.

The secondary will be tested by offensive weapons.

Hopkins flashed during the first week of OTAs, and Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman have also shined when they've been on the field this offseason. Mandatory minicamp should mean an extended look at Baltimore's full offensive arsenal.

While that's fun to watch, the more insightful part may be how Baltimore's secondary matches up against all those weapons. This still isn't a time when defenders go all out to break up passes, but coaches and media will be evaluating the cornerbacks and safeties.

At cornerback, the Ravens are working to determine who will line up opposite Nate Wiggins if Marlon Humphrey stays at nickel. Veteran addition Chidobe Awuzie is the favorite, though he's dealing with a minor ankle injury from OTAs. If Awuzie doesn't practice, that will give the Ravens a good look at T.J. Tampa, Jalyn Armour-Davis, and their two sixth-round rookies, Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam.

Meanwhile, there's plenty of buzz about the possibility that the Ravens could explore adding a top-flight veteran cornerback, specifically after Jaire Alexander was released by the Green Bay Packers last week. Minicamp may be a time to evaluate whether such a move would be warranted.

The Ravens are also figuring out who their No. 3 safety will be in the wake of Ar'Darius Washington's Achilles injury. Sanoussi Kane stood out during OTAs, and it remains to be seen whether Beau Brade, who also suffered a minor ankle injury last week, will be able to take the field.

The pass rush depth will come into focus.

Kyle Van Noy is expected to be present for mandatory minicamp, which means the Ravens' full arsenal of outside linebackers should be on the field.

Odafe Oweh made headlines with his 20 pounds of muscle gain this offseason, whileVan Noy just finished a 72-hour water fast. They'll take the field alongside a deep group of talented pass rushers, including Tavius Robinson, David Ojabo, Adisa Isaac, second-round rookie Mike Green, and more.

Do the Ravens need to add another veteran pass rusher? That may be evaluated this week, as it will be good to see the trench battles when practice turns up a notch during minicamp.

The left guard competition continues.

The top competition this summer is at left guard, where Andrew Vorhees and Ben Cleveland are squaring off for the starting job.

Offensive Line Coach George Warhop said last week thathe wants to see a clear winner emerge. He doesn't want to split duties.

Nobody's arm will be raised in minicamp, but the two days of practice will be another data point in the evaluation and set the table before training camp.