There have been rumors that the Las Vegas Raiders could trade for quarterback Lamar Jackson. With Jackson being the face of the Baltimore Ravens, it’s unlikely that he’ll be on the move this offseason.
Yet, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio isn’t ruling out a Jackson trade:
“I don’t think it’s a given that Lamar Jackson is going to be back with the Ravens,” Florio said while appearing on Yahoo Sports Daily. “We’ve been talking about this, we’ve been writing about this. I think there’s still a chance that Lamar Jackson decides it’s time for a fresh start for him too, and he’s got a ton of power in this situation. He’s got two years left under contract, there’s a no-tag clause in his deal, so he walks away two years from now as a free agent if he wants to.”
Yes, Lamar Jackson is a superstar. But it would be in the Raiders’ best interest to not pursue him.
Raiders Should Avoid Trading for Lamar Jackson
Revisiting His Career
Lamar Jackson spent three years with the Louisville Cardinals, winning the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore. He was subsequently drafted by the Ravens 32nd overall in 2018. During his rookie year in Baltimore, Jackson became the starting quarterback after an injury to Joe Flacco. He guided the team to the postseason that year.
Jackson was named the league’s MVP the following season. He threw for 3,127 yards, 36 touchdowns, and six interceptions that year. The Florida native also rushed for 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns.
In 2023, Jackson won his second MVP of his career. He threw for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for 821 yards and five scores. But more importantly, he powered the Ravens to a league-best 13-4 record.
Jackson has battled injuries over the years. However, he continues to be one of the league’s top quarterbacks when healthy.
Why the Raiders Don’t Need Him
The Raiders had a terrible 2025-2026 season. They finished with a 3-14 record, marking their worst performance since 2006. As a result, the team landed the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Unless something really crazy happens, the Raiders will use the pick to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The Miami native passed for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns as he won the Heisman Trophy. More importantly, though, he led the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 record and a national championship.
The Raiders certainly need a quarterback. Geno Smith, whom they traded for last offseason, struggled mightily this year. Mendoza could turn out to be the answer, but that, of course, isn’t guaranteed.
Meanwhile, the Raiders would know what they’re gettin in Lamar Jackson. He’s a two-time MVP, who would immediately make them better. Plus, he’s easily one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks the NFL world has ever seen.
However, Jackson has had his share of injuries throughout his career. He has only played a full season once during the past seven years. Jackson also has two years remaining on a massive $260 million, five-year contract. With that said, it’s risky to trade for a 29-year-old, injury-prone quarterback.
And the Raiders more than likely would have to trade the No. 1 pick to acquire Jackson. Instead, Las Vegas needs to avoid a Lamar Jackson deal and draft Mendoza to be their quarterback of the future. That would also allow the team to spend money on other positions.
Main Image: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images