Ravens' Lamar Jackson blockbuster trade prediction would stun NFL

Billy Heyen

Ravens' Lamar Jackson blockbuster trade prediction would stun NFL image

The Baltimore Ravens appear set to commit to Lamar Jackson for the long run.

They dismissed head coach John Harbaugh, essentially taking Jackson's side for the future.

What if they decide to turn around and change their plans further, though?

That's a bold prediction thrown out by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, through conversations with league executives, in a new article on Tuesday.

The prediction: The Ravens trade Jackson to the Las Vegas Raiders.

"This potential pairing has made its way through the rumor mill, and multiple people I spoke with who track such things used their one bold prediction in this exercise to designate Jackson a Raider," Fowler writes.

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Fowler didn't make these predictions on his own. He spoke with league personnel to see what they thought could happen if things got a bit crazy.

"It just seems like there's been some consternation there with Lamar and the Ravens, and this would be the ultimate Mark Davis move," an NFL talent evaluator told Fowler. "I'm not even convinced everybody with Vegas would be on board with it but it would instantly solve their quarterback problems."

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Jackson and the Ravens entered the 2025 NFL season as Super Bowl favorites.

They ended the season missing the playoffs entirely.

Jackson battled injuries, and he wasn't always his best self when on the field, either.

The two-time MVP would certainly change the entire fortunes of a franchise like the Raiders, though.

A deal would also alter the NFL Draft, where the Raiders are expected to take Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.

"From chemistry issues with the previous coaching staff to concerns about his availability, Jackson's relationship with the Ravens does not seem to be in the best spot," Fowler writes. "Baltimore probably realizes life with a two-time MVP is better than life without, which would mean a big contract offer is coming. But this is a situation to monitor, and how Jackson hits it off with the new head coach feels significant."

No deal like this would go down before a head coach was in place.

Then it'll be up to the new guy at the helm to build a positive relationship with Jackson to avoid any craziness like this.

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Contributing Writer