Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle has found himself under league scrutiny less than a month into his new role, after public comments regarding voluntary offseason workouts raised questions about potential violations of the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement.
At just 29 years old, Doyle is stepping into his first season running an NFL offense. However, his early tenure has already drawn attention — not for on-field strategy, but for remarks that could bring unwanted league involvement.
Comments spark immediate attention
Doyle addressed expectations surrounding player attendance at voluntary offseason programs, comments that appeared pointed toward franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson.
“We would expect (players) to be here and, certainly, it is voluntary,” Doyle said. “But, if you want to say that you’re going to win a championship, you want to say that you have championship standards, and those are your goals and your expectations — certainly that’s going to take work, that’s going to take collaboration, and that’s going to take the beginning of building the relationship with their coaches (and) other players starting off this next regime on the right foot.”
While the statement emphasized accountability and culture, it may conflict with the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement. The CBA clearly outlines that participation in offseason workouts is voluntary.
From the NFL’s CBA: “No Club official may indicate to a player that the Club’s offseason workout program or classroom instruction is not voluntary.”
Any suggestion otherwise could be viewed as pressuring players, something the NFL Players Association monitors closely.
Potential NFL consequences
Doyle’s remarks have already stirred reaction across league circles. Critics argue that publicly applying pressure — especially toward a two-time MVP quarterback — could escalate tensions with the NFLPA.
“I understand Declan Doyle wants to send a message,” WC Gridiron’s Erik Duerrwaechter wrote on his official X account. “But, applying pressure to attend voluntary practices that’ll piss the NFLPA off isn’t a wise move. Rookie mistake.”
Whether the league takes formal action remains to be seen. However, the situation underscores the fine line coaches must navigate when discussing player participation in voluntary programs.
A test early in his tenure
For Doyle, the scrutiny arrives at a pivotal moment. Leading Baltimore Ravens’ offense carries significant expectations, and maintaining alignment with league rules is equally critical.
As offseason programs continue, attention will now shift to whether the NFL determines that Doyle’s comments crossed a regulatory boundary — and how the Ravens respond if discipline follows.