Heading into the offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders need to find a long-term solution at the quarterback position. The Silver and Black attempted to use Geno Smith as a stopgap; however, that plan didn’t quite work out. Entering the final two games of the 2025 NFL season, Smith has a passer rating of 85.7, with 2,849 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in 14 games this season, according to StatMuse.
As a result, the Raiders could consider the drafting route to secure a quarterback if they manage to secure the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, is there a chance Las Vegas might explore the trade route again?
### Lamar Jackson: A Possible Trade Target?
FOX Sports’ Colin Cowherd recently suggested that the Raiders and Miami Dolphins could be potential landing spots for Baltimore Ravens’ star quarterback Lamar Jackson amid the latest developments surrounding him.
On the December 24 edition of “The Herd,” Cowherd said,
“The guys with 47-inch vertical jumps, they can age very, very quickly. It’s a very concerning story. I’ve always been a huge fan of Lamar Jackson, but next year, his cap hit is 24 percent of Baltimore’s cap. Bo Nix, his is less than two percent, Caleb Williams, less than four percent. So the Ravens are not a low self-esteem franchise. I’ve talked about this for a year.
Cleveland, I mean, they’ll guarantee the Deshaun Watson’s contract because they have such low sport self-esteem. Baltimore, arguably best owner in the game. Great owner. Great coach, great equity, great fans, unbelievable brand. I could absolutely see them taking a phone call from the Raiders or the Dolphins. Absolutely.”
### Why Would the Ravens Trade Lamar Jackson?
So, why might the Ravens consider trading a player of Lamar Jackson’s caliber? A new report sheds light on some concerns that could influence Baltimore’s decision.
In his December 23 column for The Baltimore Sun titled “Ravens, Lamar Jackson are at a crossroads,” reporter Mike Preston was candid in his assessment. He described Jackson as a gifted quarterback who may need to rethink his approach, especially regarding his off-field habits.
Preston highlighted late nights spent on video games and reports of Jackson dozing off during team meetings. He also noted that the Ravens have reportedly adjusted to Jackson’s routine by scheduling practices later in the day to accommodate him.
“A major problem, a lot of it on the Ravens, is that there are team rules and then there are rules for Jackson,” Preston wrote. “That’s why Baltimore practices in the heat of the afternoon instead of in the morning. Once the Ravens become critical of Jackson, he becomes more withdrawn. It’s a shame because Jackson isn’t a mean-spirited person, just an overgrown kid in an adult’s body.”
### Financial Considerations Weighing on Baltimore
Beyond on-field and personal concerns, financial factors may also play a significant role in the Ravens’ thinking about Jackson’s future.
According to Spotrac, Lamar Jackson carries a hefty cap hit of $74.5 million in both 2026 and 2027. He is expected to earn approximately $52 million in cash each season, ranking as the 5th-highest salary next year and 3rd-most in 2027.
FOX Sports’ Nick Wright also weighed in, suggesting that the relationship between the Ravens and Jackson appears to be at a crossroads as the offseason approaches.
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With reports hinting at tension and significant financial commitments on the table, the upcoming offseason could be pivotal not just for Lamar Jackson, but for the Las Vegas Raiders as they look to secure their quarterback future—whether through the draft or a blockbuster trade.
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