NFL executives float a blockbuster scenario that would send the Ravens’ MVP quarterback to a struggling Raiders franchise
In one of the boldest offseason predictions circulating around NFL front offices, multiple team executives have forecasted that Baltimore Ravens superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson could be traded, and not to a contender, but to one of the league’s most disappointing AFC franchises: the Las Vegas Raiders.
Why Jackson to the Raiders?
According to ESPN’s recent round of league executive predictions, the notion of Jackson becoming a Raider has made its way through NFL rumor mills, and in this year’s “bold prediction” exercise, several evaluators specifically pegged Jackson landing in Las Vegas.
The reasoning? A combination of factors has some insiders pondering whether the Ravens might move on from the two-time NFL MVP:
- Strained ties with Baltimore: Jackson’s relationship with the Ravens reportedly hasn’t been smooth in recent months, with chemistry concerns from the previous coaching staff and questions about his fit with the organization’s future direction.
- Quarterback issues in Las Vegas: The Raiders have flailed under inconsistent quarterback play and lackluster results, leaving them desperate for a franchise signal-caller. A blockbuster addition like Jackson would instantly transform their offense and give the franchise a marquee leader after years of turmoil.
One league evaluator even remarked that while “not everyone in Vegas would necessarily be behind the move,” acquiring Jackson would “instantly solve their quarterback problems.”
A Surprisingly Disappointing Destination
On the surface, the Raiders might seem like an odd landing spot for a high-profile star like Jackson. Yet that’s precisely what makes this prediction stand out: Las Vegas has struggled to find consistent success in recent seasons, failing to make significant playoff noise and posting underwhelming records relative to expectations. The franchise’s highs since relocating to Nevada have been few and far between, and questions persist about their ability to build a true contender around a star quarterback.
What It Would Mean for the Raiders
From a strategic standpoint, landing Jackson would be seismic:
- Immediate upgrade at QB: Jackson brings dual-threat explosiveness few teams can match, a strength the Raiders have desperately lacked.
- Fan and media frenzy: Pairing a dynamic MVP with Las Vegas’ glitzy market would instantly turn the Raiders into a must-watch team, even if wins don’t immediately follow.
But significant challenges remain, from cap considerations to whether Jackson himself would approve a trade to a rebuilding franchise, and the reality is that nothing is imminent. Jackson’s contract status and any potential no-trade protections could heavily influence his next destination.
A Prediction, Not a Reality (Yet)
It’s important to stress that this scenario comes from a season-forecasting exercise, not a confirmed deal. NFL execs are known for making wild offseason predictions, and while this one has gained traction in recent chatter, it should be taken as speculation among insiders rather than breaking news.
Still, if the Raiders, a franchise long searching for identity and consistent success, were to land one of the league’s most electrifying quarterbacks, it would reshape the AFC landscape and put Las Vegas squarely back in the conversation of possible Super Bowl contenders.
