League Insiders Boldly Predict Jackson Will Get Traded to Raiders

Owner Steve Bisciotti made it clear last week that he wants Jackson to be the Ravens’ quarterback for years to come. That hasn’t prevented pundits from proposing trade scenarios involving Jackson.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler asked industry sources around the league to make bold predictions for the upcoming season. More than one person predicted the Ravens would trade Jackson to the Raiders.

“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 personnel evaluator said. “I’m not even convinced everybody with Vegas would be on board with it but it would instantly solve their quarterback problems.”

Fowler wrote: “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. 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.”

If you think Jackson being traded to the Raiders is bold, try this one on for size: The Athletic’s Mike Sando said an NFL executive wondered if the Ravens would trade Jackson to the Dolphins for four first-round draft picks and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Sporting News’ Adam Schultz said Jackson isn’t going anywhere.

“If Jackson is traded pre-June 1, per Over The Cap, the Ravens would eat $57 million in dead money, and only save $17 million,” Schultz wrote. “But if he were traded after June 1, the Ravens’ dead cap hit would drop to $22 million, and the franchise would save $52 million in cap space. So that’s good. However, it would leave Baltimore without a quarterback.

“Teams aren’t waiting until June 1 to bring in a new starting quarterback to begin getting to know his teammates and new head coach, are they? There are a host of reasons why the Ravens won’t trade Lamar. Pick your favorite. Because there isn’t a way that Baltimore will part ways with a two-time MVP winner.”