The Baltimore Ravens are going through a transitional period after moving on from longtime head coach John Harbaugh. Prior to that move, there was talk that the team could consider trading two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. Though they don’t have a Harbaugh replacement yet, it’s possible that the coach they hire might like the idea of coaching Mendoza more than Jackson. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio floated a rumor that he’s hearing that the Raiders could offer the No. 1 pick to the Ravens to see if they’d be willing to trade Jackson. 🔄🏟️
Jackson Would Make Raiders Very Interesting. There isn’t a more exciting player in the NFL when he’s healthy than Jackson. He’s already won two MVPs, and many believe he should’ve won his third last year. Jackson in Las Vegas would be electric. He’d immediately turn the Raiders into must-watch television, even if the team around him isn’t great, and could help keep season-ticket holders from selling their seats. ⚡🎯
Does It Make Sense for Raiders to Trade for Jackson? If the Raiders could just sign Jackson outright as a free agent, then nobody would argue against that idea. However, the team might have to give up even more than the No. 1 pick to get him. The roster is very light on talent, so they need picks and depth to surround him. Keeping the No. 1 pick and drafting Mendoza allows the Raiders to be more methodical and patient with a rebuild. An offense of Jackson, Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty could be electric, but not if the QB is under constant pressure. 🤔🧰
Bottom line: Keeping the No. 1 pick and pursuing Mendoza could be a safer, longer-term plan for a steady winner. The odds of Mendoza reaching Jackson’s level are slim, and trading the top pick for a big-name quarterback without surrounding talent could backfire. The Raiders should focus on a path that builds a consistent winner, rather than swinging for a splash that may not pay off. 🧳🏗️✅
