NFL executives and scouts are predicting a potentially dramatic offseason, with several suggesting that star quarterback Lamar Jackson could be on the move despite the Baltimore Ravens' stated commitment to keeping him.
When ESPN asked league insiders to make bold predictions about the 2026 offseason and season ahead, Jackson's future with Baltimore became one of the most talked-about topics. Multiple people around the league forecasted the Ravens trading Jackson to the Las Vegas Raiders, describing it as exactly the kind of move Raiders owner Mark Davis would make.
Background
Jackson signed a five-year, $260 million extension before the 2023 season, making him one of the highest-paid players in football. However, the Ravens finished this past season with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs entirely, raising questions about the team's direction.
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has publicly stated he wants to renegotiate Jackson's contract by March, before free agency opens. Jackson's current deal is set to cost Baltimore $74.5 million in 2026, which would consume about 25 percent of the team's salary cap. Bisciotti made clear he wants either a renegotiation with void years or a contract extension completed within two months.
"The urgency of that matters to me because we've got free agents, and I don't want to go into free agency with that hanging over our head," Bisciotti said.
Jackson said earlier this month that he "absolutely" wants to stay in Baltimore. However, the Ravens are also searching for a new head coach after John Harbaugh's departure, which could influence his thinking.
Key Details
The Raiders Scenario
The most frequently mentioned trade scenario involves Jackson going to Las Vegas. One NFL scout told ESPN the move would be "the ultimate Mark Davis move" and would "instantly solve their quarterback problems."
The Raiders have the financial resources to make such a deal work. They currently have $67 million in effective cap space heading into the offseason, ranking third in the league. They also hold the first overall pick in the 2026 draft.
One proposed trade idea would send Jackson to Las Vegas in exchange for the Raiders' number one pick going back to Baltimore. The Raiders also have 10 total draft picks this year, giving them flexibility in negotiations.
The Dolphins Option
Another scenario making the rounds involves the Miami Dolphins. An anonymous NFL executive proposed a blockbuster deal to The Athletic that would send Jackson to Miami in exchange for Pro Bowl quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and four first-round picks.
Miami is Jackson's hometown, which adds another layer to the speculation. Tagovailoa made the Pro Bowl and led the NFL in passing in 2023, though he carries a significant contract with $54 million in guarantees for 2026.
The Contract Complication
Jackson holds a no-trade clause in his current deal, meaning any move would require his approval. He negotiated this protection into his contract himself, serving as his own agent.
The last time Jackson and the Ravens negotiated a major contract, the talks became contentious. The situation eventually led to findings of collusion among NFL owners attempting to prevent other teams from signing Jackson when he was a restricted free agent.
What This Means
While Ravens leadership appears committed to keeping Jackson, the combination of factors creates uncertainty. His massive salary hit, the team's disappointing season, the coaching change, and the upcoming contract negotiations all create scenarios where a trade could happen.
For Jackson to leave Baltimore, he would need to decline to renegotiate his contract and force the Ravens to seek a trade to clear cap space. Alternatively, if contract talks stall again or if he becomes dissatisfied with the new coaching hire, he could theoretically request a trade.
The Raiders' interest appears genuine given their quarterback needs and financial flexibility. They have the cap space and draft assets to absorb Jackson's contract and offer Baltimore meaningful compensation.
However, most predictions from league insiders acknowledge this remains speculation. Jackson's stated desire to stay in Baltimore, combined with Bisciotti's public commitment to bringing him back, suggests the Ravens will work hard to keep their franchise player. The real test will come in the next two months as the two sides negotiate a new contract.
For now, league insiders are simply exploring the possibilities. Whether any of these trade scenarios actually materialize will depend on how contract negotiations unfold and whether Jackson's comfort level changes with a new coaching regime in Baltimore.
