The Las Vegas Raiders have been linked to a number of rumors regarding a potential splash under center this offseason.
The Raiders acknowledged that they will be exploring all options at the table when it comes to their quarterback situation. As a result, there has been plenty of speculation regarding whether they will look to make their move either through free agency or the 2020 NFL Draft.
Of course, there is still the question of how the overall depth chart will look under center. It seems they could be looking for the Baltimore Ravens to help them out.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Raiders have reportedly engaged in trade talks discussing quarterback Robert Griffin III and guard Gabe Jackson:
Two intriguing names that have been discussed in trade talks as the league year nears opening: #Ravens QB Robert Griffin III and #Raiders G Gabe Jackson, sources say. Jackson is due $9.6M and RGIII is due $2M. Both contracts are not guaranteed and both are tradable.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2020
Griffin was once one of the most promising, young quarterbacks in the NFL after being taken with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He won a Heisman Trophy in his last season at Baylor and then was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012. Unfortunately, injuries ultimately derailed his career and delayed his development.
Following his underwhelming stint with the Cleveland Browns, Griffin joined Baltimore as a backup behind Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson and was able to showcase his talent during the 2019 NFL season thanks to the team’s success. However, it appears they are now seeking out other options behind Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens’ potential interest in Gabe Jackson is certainly understandable considering they now have a notable void to fill at guard with the retirement of Marshal Yanda. Gabe Jackson would make for an ideal replacement to maintain the protection for Lamar Jackson given his wealth of experience.
The prospect of Gabe Jackson’s departure would leave the Raiders with a huge gap along an offensive line that enjoyed quite the resurgence in the 2019 NFL season. Perhaps they could be looking to take advantage of the money they would save with his salary and use it to help shore up more resources to work with in free agency.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas also has three offensive linemen set to hit the market in David Sharpe, Jordan Devey, and Cameron Hunt. It is safe to say that they will consider allocating some resources to shore up as much quality depth as they can if the trade ultimately comes to fruition.
They have already gotten that started by inking Denzelle Good to an extension this offseason, and he could be Gabe Jackson’s primary replacement if a trade were to go down and no others moves were made.
