Could the Raiders Really Trade for Lamar Jackson? NFL Execs Think It’s Possible - But Does It Make Sense?
The Las Vegas Raiders have a big decision looming this offseason, and it starts under center. With quarterback still a long-term question mark, the team’s brass - including owner Mark Davis and general manager John Spytek - were recently spotted at the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Their focus? Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza didn’t light up the box score, but he did what great quarterbacks do - he won. Completing 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards and adding a gritty 12-yard touchdown run, Mendoza helped cap Indiana’s perfect 16-0 season with a national title.
His stat line won’t jump off the page, especially with seven carries for a net loss of eight yards, but his toughness and poise were on full display. On that touchdown run, he lowered his shoulder into a defender at the goal line - not exactly your typical quarterback move.
But at 6-foot-5, Mendoza has the physical tools to absorb contact and extend plays when necessary.
For a Raiders team looking to build a young, dynamic core, Mendoza seems like a logical fit. Pairing him with explosive running back Ashton Jeanty and All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers could give Las Vegas a formidable offensive trio to grow together. It’s the kind of foundation that franchises dream about - a rookie quarterback on a manageable deal surrounded by ascending talent.
But here’s where things get interesting.
According to a recent report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, several NFL executives, coaches, and scouts offered bold predictions for the upcoming offseason - and a few of them believe the Raiders might swing for the fences and trade for two-time MVP Lamar Jackson.
Yes, that Lamar Jackson.
“It just seems like there’s been some consternation there with Lamar and the Ravens,” one evaluator noted. “And this would be the ultimate Mark Davis move.”
The idea is certainly bold. It’s also, in many ways, vintage Raiders - a franchise known for making splashy moves and chasing star power.
And make no mistake: Jackson is still one of the most electrifying players in the league. His dual-threat ability, leadership, and MVP pedigree would instantly elevate the Raiders’ offense and give them a face of the franchise.
But this isn’t Madden. There are layers to this.
First, there’s the cost - both in terms of draft capital and salary cap space. Trading for Jackson would likely mean parting with multiple high picks, including the one that could land Mendoza.
Then there’s the financial commitment. Jackson would command a massive contract, and the Raiders, who are still rebuilding key areas of the roster, would have to find a way to pay him while addressing other glaring needs.
Second, there’s the timeline. With Jackson, the Raiders would be in win-now mode.
That’s a tall order for a team that still needs reinforcements on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, drafting Mendoza gives them a chance to develop a quarterback on a rookie deal while continuing to build out the roster.
From a pure football standpoint, it’s hard to argue against Jackson’s talent. He’s a game-changer. But for a team still laying the foundation, mortgaging the future for a blockbuster quarterback trade might not be the wisest move - at least not right now.
That’s not to say the idea is completely out of left field. These bold predictions are meant to stir the pot and explore what could happen if teams think aggressively. And if any franchise is going to make a headline-grabbing move, it’s the Raiders.
Still, given where Las Vegas is in its rebuild, the more strategic play might be sticking with the draft board and letting a young quarterback grow alongside the team’s emerging stars. It’s not as flashy, but it might be exactly what the Raiders need.