Could the Ravens Actually Trade Lamar Jackson? Here’s Why the Rumors Won’t Go Away
It sounds unthinkable on the surface: the Baltimore Ravens trading away Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP and the face of their franchise. But in the wake of another disappointing playoff exit and a major shakeup on the sidelines, the chatter around Jackson’s future in Baltimore is picking up steam-and it’s not coming out of nowhere.
According to recent reports, there’s a growing sense around the league that the Las Vegas Raiders could make a serious push for Jackson this offseason. While nothing is official-Jackson hasn’t been made available, and the Ravens haven’t publicly entertained trade talks-there’s enough smoke here to at least acknowledge the fire.
Let’s unpack what’s going on.
A Frustrating Finish in Baltimore
The Ravens’ 2025 season ended in familiar fashion: a playoff loss that left more questions than answers. And this time, it cost head coach John Harbaugh his job. That move alone was significant-Harbaugh had been a staple in Baltimore since 2008-but it also hinted at deeper tension within the organization.
Jackson didn’t exactly hide his frustration after the Ravens were bounced by the Pittsburgh Steelers. His postgame demeanor raised eyebrows, and there’s been speculation that he had a specific candidate in mind to replace Harbaugh. That kind of influence speaks to his stature in the organization-but it also raises the stakes if things don’t go his way.
The Raiders Are in the Market
Out west, the Raiders are entering yet another offseason searching for a long-term solution at quarterback. Geno Smith didn’t pan out, and with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Las Vegas has a golden opportunity to reset the position.
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza has been floated as a potential top pick, but here’s the thing-he hasn’t officially declared for the draft. That uncertainty opens the door for other possibilities, including a bold swing for a proven star like Jackson.
League insiders have started connecting the dots. There’s a belief that the Raiders could at least explore the idea of trading for Jackson, especially if they’re looking to make a splash under new leadership. One report even suggested that Las Vegas is “going to make a play” for him.
What Would It Take?
Let’s be clear: prying Lamar Jackson away from Baltimore would be a massive undertaking. He’s 29 years old, still in his prime, and one of the most dynamic players in the league. The Ravens wouldn’t let him go for anything less than a haul.
One report suggested that Baltimore could consider a deal involving two or even three first-round picks. That’s a steep price, but the Raiders do have the No. 1 overall pick this year-a rare and extremely valuable asset. Pair that with additional future picks, and suddenly the conversation gets interesting.
There’s also the Tom Brady factor. As a partial owner of the Raiders, Brady reportedly has a strong admiration for Jackson. That kind of behind-the-scenes influence can matter more than people think, especially when it comes to blockbuster moves like this.
Miami in the Mix?
Jackson has long been linked to Miami as a potential destination, and with Tua Tagovailoa no longer the starter there, it’s not hard to imagine why that rumor keeps surfacing. But for now, the Raiders seem to be the team drawing the most attention in connection to Jackson’s name.
What the Harbaugh Firing Tells Us
Here’s the twist: the Ravens’ decision to move on from Harbaugh could actually signal a deeper commitment to Jackson. If there was tension between the two-and there’s reason to believe there was-then parting ways with the coach might have been a move to keep their star quarterback happy.
But NFL relationships are complicated, and so are contracts. If Jackson and the Ravens hit a snag in future negotiations, or if the new coaching hire doesn’t align with Jackson’s vision, things could shift quickly.
Bottom Line
Right now, Lamar Jackson is a Raven. But in the NFL, "right now" doesn’t always mean much when it comes to franchise-altering decisions.
The Raiders have the draft capital, the need, and possibly the motivation to make a move. And if Baltimore starts listening to offers, this could become one of the biggest stories of the offseason.
It’s far from a done deal-but it’s definitely one to keep an eye on.