Could Lamar Jackson Really Land in Miami? Here's Why the Rumors Won’t Go Away
At first glance, the idea of Lamar Jackson in a Miami Dolphins uniform feels like something out of a Madden fantasy draft. But around the league, the buzz is real-and it’s getting louder.
What once felt like idle offseason chatter now has a different tone. This time, it’s not just fans stirring the pot.
There’s a growing sense inside NFL circles that if the Ravens are willing to listen, the Dolphins could be among the first to call.
Let’s unpack why this idea, once far-fetched, now feels at least plausible.
A Frustrating Season in Baltimore
Jackson’s 2025 campaign never really found its rhythm. A hamstring injury sidelined him for three games, and just when it looked like he might get back on track, he exited a Week 16 loss to the Patriots with a back contusion.
The physical toll was clear, but it wasn’t just injuries that raised eyebrows. Baltimore was fined $100,000 by the NFL for filing an inaccurate injury report in Week 7-an incident that sparked questions about transparency and, more importantly, trust between Jackson and the organization.
That’s the kind of thing that doesn’t just disappear. When communication breaks down between a star quarterback and his team, people around the league take notice.
Why Miami Makes Sense
Let’s start with the obvious: the Dolphins are built to win now. They’ve got playmakers on both sides of the ball, a creative offensive mind in Mike McDaniel, and a front office that’s shown it’s not afraid to make bold moves. If there’s a window to land a former MVP, Miami’s brass might feel the urgency to jump through it.
Then there’s the personal connection. Jackson is a South Florida native-he starred at Boynton Beach High School, just an hour north of Hard Rock Stadium. A return home wouldn’t just be a feel-good story; it might be exactly what Jackson needs after years of battling in the cold, punishing AFC North.
The Dolphins' offense, built around speed and explosiveness, would be a natural fit for Jackson’s skill set. And frankly, the idea of him operating in warm weather, on fast turf, with weapons like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle? That’s the kind of thing that keeps defensive coordinators up at night.
The Cap Crunch
Of course, this isn’t Madden. Money matters-and in this case, it’s a massive hurdle.
Jackson’s contract carries a projected $75.4 million cap hit in 2026. Without a restructure, that number climbs even higher.
Miami’s financial situation isn’t exactly flexible either. Cutting Tua Tagovailoa after June 1 would saddle the Dolphins with a staggering $99 million dead cap hit.
That’s not just a speed bump-it’s a wall.
Still, where there’s interest, there’s usually a way. Restructuring Jackson’s deal would be essential, and some around the Dolphins believe it’s worth the effort. One team reporter summed it up bluntly: “You simply do whatever it takes to get him in a Dolphins uniform.”
What Would a Trade Look Like?
Online speculation has already floated mock trades, including one that would send Jackson to Miami in exchange for Tagovailoa and a trio of first-round picks in 2026, 2027, and 2028. That’s a massive haul, but when you’re talking about a quarterback of Jackson’s caliber, that’s the price of admission.
Of course, moving on from Jackson would be a seismic shift for the Ravens. Unless they’ve got a succession plan in place, it would likely signal the beginning of a rebuild-something Baltimore hasn’t flirted with in years.
The National Perspective
Even national voices are weighing in. Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd didn’t shy away from the idea, saying he could “absolutely see the Ravens taking a phone call from the Raiders or the Dolphins.” That’s not exactly a report, but it reflects the broader belief that Baltimore might be more open to conversations than they’ve been in the past.
Nothing Official-But the Smoke Is Real
There’s been no formal trade request. No confirmed talks.
No front-office leaks suggesting anything is imminent. But the fact that this conversation continues to gain traction says something.
Jackson’s body language, Baltimore’s injury reporting issues, and Miami’s win-now mindset have all combined to create a perfect storm of speculation.
For now, it’s just talk. But in the NFL, talk has a funny way of turning into action-especially when it involves a franchise quarterback, a hungry contender, and a hometown connection that’s hard to ignore.