Sportsnaut
The Las Vegas Raiders are currently busy shopping for a new head coach. One of the key questions candidates are surely wondering about is the Raiders’ plans at quarterback.
Surely, Raiders general manager John Spytek won’t run it back with just Geno Smith and Aidan O’Connell in their QB room in 2026. Kenny Pickett is scheduled to be a free agent. Not bringing in an actual threat to Smith’s starting job would be another recipe for disaster, much like the three-win season Raiders fans just put up with.
However, recent internet rumors that Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio has addressed discuss the possibility of the Raiders making a splashy move. Specifically, Raiders rumors suggest that they could be planning to try trading for Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson.
Of course, it always takes two to tango, and there’s been no proof that the Ravens are ready or even open to considering a trade involving the two-time NFL MVP. Yet, that won’t prevent teams from making a blockbuster trade offer anyway, especially for someone as talented as Jackson.
Jackson is under contract in Baltimore for the next two seasons. He also has a full no-trade clause, which gives him control over whether he wishes to stay in Baltimore or land in a new destination if, for some reason, Baltimore discusses a trade in an offseason that’s already featured plenty of surprises.
Yet, just because the Ravens moved on from John Harbaugh, it doesn’t mean they’re prepared to get rid of the face of their franchise too. That would be the biggest shock of the offseason. Yet, if trouble really is brewing between Jackson and the franchise, we’d imagine anything is possible.
If the Ravens and Jackson are open to a trade, then the Raiders, who have not been able to solve their QB problem, should absolutely offer the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, plus whatever else it takes (except Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers).
Related: 6 Teams Who Should Rush to Hire Sean McDermott Right Now
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