Tom Brady Could Potentially Push Raiders In Direction Of Blockbuster Trade For Lamar Jackson

Tom Brady might be set to make the ultimate Sin City gamble.

The Baltimore Ravens sent an unmistakable signal by parting ways with head coach John Harbaugh: the organization is ready for a significant reset.

Entering the season with high expectations as one of the AFC’s premier contenders, Baltimore ultimately fell short due to a disappointing defensive performance, several head-scratching coaching choices, and recurring injuries to star quarterback Lamar Jackson.

With no new contract extension in place and a track record of health setbacks, uncertainty is beginning to surround Jackson’s long-term status with the franchise. (RELATED: Broncos’ Bo Nix Out For Rest Of Playoffs After Suffering Season-Ending Fractured Ankle Against Bills)

Against that backdrop, NFL insider Mike Florio has floated an intriguing scenario in which the Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders could potentially strike a mutually beneficial deal. Vegas, holding the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, is in search of a long-term franchise quarterback to lead their rebuild.

“The first pick, which would give the Ravens a straight shot at quarterback Fernando Mendoza (or the ability to re-trade the pick for a king’s ransom), for the two-time MVP who is now 29 and often injured,” wrote Florio on NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk.

Baltimore owner Steve Bisciotti recently established a firm deadline for reaching an agreement on a possible contract extension with Jackson.

That move underscores the organization’s desire to retain the two-time MVP quarterback, yet discussions with Jackson — who negotiates without the assistance of an agent — have historically been challenging and drawn-out.

Tom Brady needs to make a big swing with the Raiders. Could that include dangling the first overall pick in the draft for Lamar Jackson? https://t.co/FM2dfDnZDt

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 17, 2026

The Raiders possess both the assets and salary-cap flexibility necessary to make a serious pursuit viable. Pairing a high-caliber quarterback with emerging young talents such as tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty could create an appealing foundation, potentially attracting additional star players to the Las Vegas market.

This is also the point at which Tom Brady becomes part of the conversation.

“The key to a possible Jackson trade, from the Raiders’ perspective, is minority owner Tom Brady,” wrote Florio. “Although Brady managed (somehow) to avoid taking widespread public flak for the abject failure of the franchise in 2025, he’s now front and center.”

The Raiders have always been a high-stakes experiment, so I could easily see Brady (and majority owner Mark Davis) pulling the trigger on a move like this. (RELATED: Josh Allen Shows Up To Postgame Press Conference In Tears After Bills’ Devastating Playoff Loss Against Broncos)

If he lands an MVP quarterback, he transforms the Raiders from a “dysfunctional basement dweller” into an immediate Super Bowl contender with one phone call. At the same time though, it could backfire as Jackson’s injury woes could continue.

But what’s Vegas without gambling, right?

The thing is, Brady didn’t join the Raiders ownership to watch 3-14 seasons from a luxury suite. He joined to win. Trading the No. 1 pick for Jackson would be the ultimate “Brady move” to wager for a Super Bowl ring and solidify his status as an executive — it’s ruthless, it’s blockbuster, and it immediately changes the math of the AFC West.

If the numbers work, and Lamar Jackson is still Lamar Jackson, why not roll the dice?