BALTIMORE — Could the unthinkable actually happen in Baltimore? As the NFL transitions into the 2026 offseason, a new report from high-level league insiders suggests that the Baltimore Ravens might be open to a “crazy” trade involving their franchise cornerstone, Lamar Jackson. While Jackson remains one of the most dynamic weapons in sports, a combination of postseason frustrations and a looming salary cap crunch has reportedly put a potential “landscape-shifting” trade on the table.
According to several analysts, the Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as the primary suitor in a scenario that would see them send a historic package of first-round picks and established defensive stars to Baltimore in exchange for the two-time MVP. The Raiders, currently owned in part by Tom Brady, are reportedly looking for a “box office” signal-caller to lead their transition into a new era of AFC West competitiveness.
The logic behind a Ravens move is centered on the team’s long-term financial flexibility. With Jackson’s massive contract occupying a significant portion of the cap, Baltimore has struggled to surround him with elite offensive line depth and defensive reinforcements. A trade would allow the Ravens to “pull a Detroit Lions”—reloading with high-end draft picks and a cheaper rookie quarterback while maintaining a competitive roster.
“It sounds insane on the surface, but the NFL is a business of timing,” one league insider noted. “If Baltimore feels they’ve hit their ceiling with the current build, and a team like the Raiders or the Jets is willing to offer three first-rounders and a cornerstone defender, the Ravens have to at least pick up the phone.”
Fans in Baltimore have reacted with a mix of disbelief and outrage, pointing out that Jackson is the heartbeat of the city. However, the rumors gained traction after Jackson shared a series of cryptic messages on social media following the team’s late-December struggles, which some interpreted as a sign of a growing rift with the front office regarding the team’s offensive direction.
While no official trade request has been made, the mere suggestion of Jackson being “available” has sent the betting markets into a frenzy. Should a deal go through, it would likely go down as the largest trade in NFL history, eclipsing the deals for Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson.
As the Super Bowl concludes and the league heads toward the Draft, the Lamar Jackson watch has officially become the biggest storyline of the 2026 offseason. For now, the Ravens maintain that Lamar is their guy—but in the NFL, “never say never” is the only rule.
