By no fault of his own, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been the subject of controversy since before he was drafted into the NFL. Where once arguments raged about whether he was truly a quarterback, now doubts have set in about whether he can win a championship with the Ravens.
One NFL insider is even projecting a potential move away from Baltimore for the two-time MVP. Jason La Canfora recently laid out a nightmarish alternate reality in which Jackson could be traded to the New York Jets to play for head coach Mike Tomlin.
"If Tomlin takes the reins in New York, where the Jets boast premium draft capital—including three first-round selections—there is a belief Jackson would strongly evaluate the destination. The pair share a deep mutual respect built over years of AFC North battles, and New York’s defensive core provides an immediate foundation for a contender."
While the possibility is still multiple steps from happening, it's terrifying for Ravens fans.
Ravens could be one failed season away from a Lamar Jackson-Jets trade
If he wants it, Tomlin will likely have another head coaching job next offseason. As La Canfora detailed, he's already being seen as the most sought-after candidate for the 2027 cycle. The team that hires him will look to immediately equip him with talent.
If that team is the Jets, they'll have the draft capital to make a blockbuster trade. New York has three first-round picks in next year's draft, and while the upcoming class is expected to hold plenty of talent, they may look to flip a pick or two for a proven veteran.
There's no telling what a trade would cost for Jackson, though ESPN's Bill Barnwell set his value just above two first-rounders. If the Ravens did move on from their superstar quarterback, it would come as an admission that they weren't able to get over the hump with this version of the roster.
Baltimore has a responsibility to avoid that reality. While there are still question marks on this roster, it's one of the most talented groups in the NFL. With key players on both sides of the ball already nearing the end of their careers, the championship window is becoming alarmingly narrow.
First-year head coach Jesse Minter doesn't get the ramp-up period that others in his position might. The Ravens need to win now, or they'll risk reaching a point of no return with their most important player.
With his contract talks seemingly stalling, a 2027 trade request from Jackson is certainly possible. But a championship ring should do well to keep the MVP quarterback happy.
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