There has been multiple media outlets that have been floating rumors that the Las Vegas Raiders may trade for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson this offseason.
Let;s look at some pros and cons of a Las Vegas pursuit of Jackson.
PROs
He’s really good:
Players of Jackson’s caliber don’t often become available, so it is very much worth considering. He is a two-time NFL MVP and he is a special, unique talent. He would make the Raiders better by being on the roster.
He’s a true focal point of offense:
Jackson is a game changer. He would be the Raiders’ best skill-position player in years and years. He is a nightmare to defend and he can kill defenses with his arm and legs. He is a proven winner.
He’s in his prime:
Jackson turned 29 this month. So, he is a top-level quarterback in his prime. Those players are difficult to find. If he will truly become available, there will be a lot of interested teams.
CONs
He would be expensive in contract and trade compensation:
Jackson has two years remaining on a $260 million, five-year contract. He had a salary-cap number of $74 million this year, which, of course, is massive. The Ravens have already talked about extending him, so if he is traded, his new team would probably be expected to give him a new contract by Jackson. Yes, the Raiders have a lot of cap room, but Jackson would definitely eat into it, much, much more, of course, than Fernando Mendoza would for the next five years. Also, the Ravens would want a lot of compensation for Jackson. There was a report it would cost the Raiders the No.1 overall pick. But I would think that would be the starting point for the Ravens and they would want more. So, it would be pricey.
He’s been injury prone:
Because he is so active with his legs, Jackson has taken a lot of hits. He has played a full regular-season just once him the past seven seasons. He missed four games in 2025. It’s a trend and let’s face it; it very well could get worse as he continues to age. Adding a high-cost 29-year-old oft-injured quarterback is risky.
He has less time left than Mendoza:
Regardless of injury concerns, Jackson doesn’t have an unlimited amount of time remaining in his career. However, a player like Mendoza, who is 22, could be the answer at the quarterback position for the next dozen years or so. So, if the Raiders believe in him, he may be the avenue to go. Of course, no rookie is a sure thing and Jackson is a sure thing. But time could be a factor.
Conclusion:
A trade of this magnitude has many layers and would invoke a lot of emotions. In the end, the Raiders would improve with Jackson, but there are cost and other factors to consider. In the end, it may be easier just to keep the No. 1 pick and invest in the future with Mendoza.
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