Although it sounds a bit absurd, there’s chatter about Lamar Jackson and Mike Tomlin joining forces for the 2027 NFL season.
According to Jason La Canfora, the New York Jets are already doing preliminary groundwork on Tomlin for next year. He hasn’t even said he’s ready to coach again, but it makes sense for the Jets to get an early jump on potentially pursuing him. After all, the franchise has been desperate for a coach with his résumé (193-114-2 record, 13 playoff appearances and a Super Bowl ring).
“Woody is starting to ask a lot of questions; he’s doing his homework on Tomlin,” an executive told La Canfora. “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.”
Apparently, Tomlin to the Jets would potentially trigger a trade market for Jackson.
“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,” La Canfora added. “Combined with Johnson’s history of pursuing marquee names and Tomlin’s preference for veteran quarterbacks, the alignment is clear.”
© Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images.
What’s the latest on Lamar Jackson?
Jackson’s current contract with the Ravens runs through the 2027 season. The franchise has repeatedly said that it’d like to retain the two-time MVP.
“We want another window, and Lamar knows that. I think he is amenable to doing something that mirrors the last deal that he did, although the annual number will be a little higher. But I’m hoping that it’s plug in your number in the same contract he signed [in 2023] and move on,” Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said earlier this year.
While there’s no question Jackson is one of the best players in the NFL, it’s a bit odd that he doesn’t have long-term security in Baltimore.
Until the Ravens work out another deal with Jackson, trade rumors will continue to swirl online.
