The NFL offseason is always good for a few wild trade scenarios, and this time, it’s Lamar Jackson’s name getting tossed into the rumor mill. But let’s be clear: while the idea of Jackson in silver and black might stir imaginations, the reality is that the Baltimore Ravens aren’t about to ship off their franchise quarterback - and for good reason.
The Contract Elephant in the Room
Start with the obvious: Jackson’s contract. His cap hit for the upcoming season is a massive $74.5 million - a number that’s going to need some creative accounting.
But that’s a challenge the Ravens are fully prepared to take on. Owner Steve Bisciotti has made it clear: Lamar is their guy, and he’s not going anywhere.
That kind of public backing isn’t just lip service - it’s a message to the rest of the league.
So when an NFL executive floated a hypothetical trade that would send Jackson to the Las Vegas Raiders, it raised more eyebrows than serious discussion.
Why the Raiders? And Why It Doesn’t Work
Sure, the Raiders could use a quarterback. That’s not news.
The idea of pairing Lamar with dynamic young weapons like Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty is intriguing on paper. But let’s not ignore the glaring issue: the Raiders’ offensive line.
This is the same unit that allowed Geno Smith to be sacked 55 times in 15 games. Dropping a quarterback like Jackson - who thrives on rhythm and movement - behind that line is asking for trouble.
And then there’s the cost. Acquiring a two-time MVP isn’t a matter of sending over a couple of draft picks and calling it a day.
We’re talking about multiple first-rounders, at minimum. Would Las Vegas really be willing to gut their future for a player who, while elite, would also come with a hefty contract and a need for immediate protection?
Doesn’t seem likely.
The Cap Situation: Timing Is Everything
Let’s say, for argument’s sake, the Ravens did entertain the idea of moving Jackson. The financial logistics are brutal.
If they traded him before June 1, they’d eat $57 million in dead money and only save $17 million in cap space. That’s a steep price for losing your franchise cornerstone.
Now, post-June 1, things look a little better on paper. The dead cap hit drops to $22 million, and the team would save $52 million.
But here’s the catch: no team is waiting until June to figure out its quarterback situation. That’s when rosters are already taking shape, and new systems are being installed.
Waiting that long to make a franchise-altering move just isn’t how the NFL operates.
No Quarterback, No Plan
Perhaps the biggest problem with the idea of trading Lamar? It leaves Baltimore without a quarterback.
And there’s no clear Plan B. The Ravens aren’t in rebuild mode - they’re in win-now mode.
You don’t trade away a two-time MVP when you’re trying to contend. You build around him.
So, while offseason chatter will continue to swirl - as it always does - this particular rumor doesn’t hold much weight. Baltimore isn’t about to hit reset on a player who’s been the face of the franchise, the engine of the offense, and one of the most dynamic talents in the league.
Pick your reason: the cap hit, the lack of a replacement, the cost to acquire him, or the simple fact that you don’t trade away a player like Lamar Jackson when you’re trying to win. Any way you slice it, the Ravens aren’t moving their quarterback.