Every NFL offseason has its own rhythm. First, the coaching carousel spins-then the quarterback dominoes start to fall. But this year, there’s one name that could turn the usual quarterback shuffle into a full-blown rollercoaster: Lamar Jackson.
Now, let’s be clear-nothing is official, and there’s no guarantee Jackson won’t be back in Baltimore in 2026. But the door is cracked open just enough to make you wonder.
The Ravens are in the middle of a head coaching search, and while Jackson will have input, owner Steve Bisciotti made it plain: “He has no power. I have the power.”
That might be true when it comes to the hire, but when it comes to Jackson’s future in Baltimore? That’s where he holds the cards.
Jackson’s contract gives him serious leverage. There’s a no-trade clause, which means he can veto any deal he doesn’t like.
There’s also a no-tag clause, which gives him a clean shot at free agency once his deal is up-if he chooses to go that route. He can reject any extension the team offers, play out the next two seasons, and walk away, leaving a mountain of dead cap behind.
So, what if Jackson decides he’s ready for a change after eight years in Baltimore? What if the new coach isn’t a fit? What if he wants a fresh start?
That’s where things get interesting. A recent column out of Baltimore floated two potential landing spots: Miami and Las Vegas.
Let’s start with the Dolphins. The idea of Jackson returning to his hometown has been circulating in league circles for a while.
But financially, it’s a tight squeeze. Tua Tagovailoa’s contract is a monster-$54 million guaranteed in 2026, with a $99 million dead-cap hit.
That kind of number makes it nearly impossible for Miami to bring in Jackson on a market-value deal. Unless they’re planning something drastic, it’s hard to see that door opening.
Now shift your attention to Las Vegas. That’s a different story.
The Raiders have the cap space. They have the cash.
And they hold the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. That’s a powerful combination.
The idea of sending that top pick to Baltimore in exchange for Jackson is already being whispered about-and it’s not hard to see why. The Ravens would get a clear path to a top quarterback prospect like Fernando Mendoza or could flip the pick for a haul of assets.
Meanwhile, the Raiders would land a two-time MVP, still just 29 years old, and still one of the most electrifying players in the league-when healthy.
Yes, the injuries are a factor. And yes, three years ago, nobody made a serious move for Jackson when he was on the non-exclusive franchise tag.
But the context is different now. The Raiders need a spark.
They need a face of the franchise. And they might need to make a big move just to convince their stars-guys like Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers-that things are heading in the right direction.
There’s also one more wildcard in all this: Tom Brady.
The seven-time Super Bowl champ is now a minority owner in Vegas, and while he managed to avoid much of the blame for the team’s ugly 2025 season, that grace period is running out. If 2026 looks anything like last year, Brady’s going to be wearing the criticism right alongside his tailored suits and luxury watches. A blockbuster move for Jackson would be a statement-a signal that the Raiders aren’t content to sit in the AFC West basement.
Of course, none of this happens unless the Ravens are willing to deal-and unless Jackson signs off. But the timing is worth watching.
Both Baltimore and Las Vegas are in the market for new head coaches, and Jackson’s situation looms large over both searches. If he’s going to be part of a trade, it could happen quickly, especially with the new league year set to open on March 11.
Bottom line: Lamar Jackson has the power. He can shape his own future, whether that’s in Baltimore or somewhere else. And if the Raiders are ready to swing big-and Jackson is ready to take his talents to the desert-this offseason could get wild in a hurry.