The Las Vegas Raiders still need to lose to the Kansas Chiefs in Week 18, but they are currently in the driver’s seat to get the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team desperately needs a franchise quarterback, and many expect them to target one with their top pick.
However, what if they could add a proven superstar veteran? It would’ve been unthinkable at the start of the season that the Baltimore Ravens would ever consider trading two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, but there have been some rumors in recent weeks that they may want a fresh start.
If that were to happen, the most valuable asset a team can offer the Ravens is the No. 1 pick. Eric D. Williams of FOX Sports spoke to executives around the NFL, and some of them believe the Raiders are one of the most logical landing spots for Jackson.
“Entering Week 18, the 2-14 Raiders own the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft,” Williams wrote. “The Raiders still have a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, but at the top of the to-do list for owner Mark Davis following that game will be deciding whether to move on from head coach Pete Carroll after flat-lining in his first season running the team on the field.
“Another important decision will be deciding on a quarterback for 2026 after a trade for Geno Smith fizzled this year. And with uncertainty in Baltimore about Lamar Jackson’s future with that franchise, Las Vegas is a potential landing spot for the two-time NFL MVP, and he could make sense for the Raiders financially, according to a league source I spoke with.”
Jackson Could Be Looking for New Contract
Jackson has two more years left on his current contract after the season. There’s a belief that he’s going to want to get paid soon, which is why the Raiders make some sense.
“The Raiders would make the most sense, both from a talent-need perspective and a cap space available perspective,” a league source told Williams. “As we look at the next two years, the Raiders have the most cap space. The reason why cap space is an important consideration is because Lamar is going to be looking for a new contract ASAP.”
Jackson is likely going to want to be the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL on his new contract. Considering the Raiders have been a disaster at quarterback, they could be willing to pay him whatever he wants.
Do Raiders Truly Want Jackson?
Jackson is an incredible talent and a likely Hall of Famer. When healthy, there might not be a more dynamic player in the NFL. However, the Raiders are not close to contending.
Jackson is going to need at least some talent around him if he’s going to succeed. In addition to giving up the No. 1 pick, the Ravens could seek even more in a trade. Also, if Baltimore is willing to give up their face of the franchise, that has to raise some red flags.
As exciting as Jackson would be in Las Vegas, the smarter long-term play would be to hold onto the No. 1 pick and build the roster around a young quarterback on a rookie deal.
NFL Execs Believe Raiders Trading No. 1 Pick for Record-Breaking QB Could Happen