Could Raiders Trade for Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson? NFL Execs Weigh In on Scenarios

The Las Vegas Raiders using the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft to trade for an established quarterback is reportedly viewed as an improbable scenario by league insiders.

All eight of the NFL executives, coaches and players anonymously polled by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler expressed their belief that the Raiders will keep the No. 1 overall pick and likely use it on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Fowler noted that while some of those polled weighed the possibility of Vegas trying to acquire Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson or Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow with the top pick, such trades are "considered unlikely at best."

Jackson and Burrow are regarded as two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and there is no indication that either of them are available.

While Jackson did request a trade out of Baltimore in 2023, he ended up signing a five-year, $260 million contract extension, and he went on to win NFL MVP in 2023 before finishing second in the voting in 2024.

In December, Burrow raised some eyebrows with comments he made amid a tough season for him and the Bengals.

While speaking to reporters, Burrow said, ""Do I have fun playing? I mean, how much? Winning's always fun, but in general, was it as fun as before? No, I wouldn't say it was that way."

Burrow went on to add, "Reflection—reflection on a lot of things that I've done and been through in my career, I think. And I've been through more than most. Certainly not easy on the brain or body, so just trying to have fun doing it again."

That led to speculation about Burrow possibly requesting a trade or even considering retirement, and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that teams "took notice" of what he said.

However, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports later reported that an NFL source told him Burrow's comments were "blown out" of proportion, before adding, "He was emotional on his birthday and pissed that for as much as he's worked, he's still not able to win. That's all he wants to do. … If he cannot win he's miserable."

With a trade for an established, superstar quarterback like Jackson or Burrow looking like a long shot, the Raiders' best chance at landing a much-needed, franchise quarterback is likely through the draft.

It is unclear if Mendoza will be that type of player, but he is coming off an all-time great college football season, as he led the Hoosiers to an undefeated record and national title, while also winning the Heisman Trophy.

The Raiders are coming off a 3-14 season, haven't made the playoffs since 2021 and haven't won a playoff game since 2002.

Something has to change under minority owner Tom Brady and new head coach Klint Kubiak, and Mendoza may be the player who can help transform the organization.