A surprising new rumor claims Lamar Jackson might request a trade to one of the NFL’s worst franchises because they are seriously looking at Mike Tomlin to be their new head coach in 2027.
The Baltimore Ravens superstar still has two seasons left on the five-year, $260 million contract he signed three years ago. However, many believe the two-time NFL MVP is looking at this season as a chance to prove his worth and demand a new long-term deal next offseason.
The Ravens have been down this road before with the four-time Pro Bowler, and during their drawn-out negotiations in 2023, Jackson at one point requested a trade. No one would be shocked if he did so again next year if he doesn’t like how contract talks are progressing.
NY Jets doing ‘homework’ on Mike Tomlin?
According to Casino.org’s Jason La Canfora, a team that the QB could force a trade to would be none other than the New York Jets. But why would one of the best players on the planet want to go to a franchise that has had 10 straight losing seasons and hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2010? Well, it’s because legendary former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin could be overseeing the roster starting next year.
“’Woody is starting to ask a lot of questions. He’s doing his homework on Tomlin,’ said one executive who knows Jets owner Woody Johnson well. ‘This one has legs. I’m telling you. Mike is in New York at Rockefeller Center for NBC, Woody is back in charge at the facility, and he knows how steep the competition will be. You are going to hear a lot about the Jets.’”
– Jason La Canfora
Lamar Jackson and Mike Tomlin have ‘a deep mutual respect’
Without a doubt, Tomlin would surely make the Jets better. But would Jackson really consider leaving behind one of the most secure franchises in the NFL for a move to Gang Green? According to the NFL insider, playing for Tomlin — a man he has “a deep mutual respect” for after playing against his Steelers teams throughout his career — and New York’s upside would make them far more appealing than they are right now.
“Multiple league executives believe Jackson could explore potential trade avenues following previous extension standoffs. 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.”
– Jason La Canfora
A lot has to happen before any of this becomes a realistic possibility, including an 11th straight losing season for the Jets. However, the idea of having Tomlin, Jackson, and three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft is a reason to believe New York could be a Super Bowl contender before the end of this decade.