Omar Kelly: Lamar Jackson isn't the solution to all of Dolphins' problems

Omar Kelly, Miami Herald on Nov 5, 2026

Published in Football

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

MIAMI — Lamar Jackson was one of the most dynamic talents we have seen play quarterback in decades.

Notice I used the word “was” instead of “is” to praise the Baltimore Ravens’ two-time MVP because at this point Jackson’s career is engulfed in mystery.

Is Jackson still an elite NFL quarterback?

Is Jackson still a dynamic athlete?

Is Jackson ever going to take the Ravens to greater heights?

Is Jackson physically falling apart, like most scrambling quarterbacks eventually do?

We don’t get an answer to that question in 2026 because a thumb injury has cut his ninth NFL season short. He has been placed on injured reserve, and the Ravens have traded for former Arizona starter Jacoby Brissett to serve as his replacement.

This is the second straight season Jackson has had sideswiped by injuries, and unfortunately, this might be the new form, which has seemingly opened the door for a discussion about his NFL future.

Michael Irvin, a South Florida product and former Hurricanes standout, got the nation stirring by seemingly shopping Jackson on ESPN’s “First Take” this week.

“Lamar in Baltimore is an NFL superstar,” Irvin said on the debate-centric sports show. “Lamar in Miami is an international icon, and it will be off the charts.”

In theory, I can understand where Irvin is coming from. However, Jackson, a South Florida native and Boynton Beach High product, plays for a more relevant franchise.

And one with a better supporting cast than anything the Dolphins have put together the past two decades. Therefore, international icon is a stretch.

Highlight compensated, aging star who is likely looking for leverage is more like it.

Jackson is owed $52 million next season, and possesses a no-trade clause in his contract.

Jackson also has a no-tag clause too, which means after the 2027 season — next year — he will be allowed to pick his next landing spot without the restrictions that were placed on him in 2023, when he was a restricted free agent and there wasn’t a single team that bid on him because it would have cost them at least a first round pick.

To keep Jackson the Ravens must either pay Jackson what he wants, and has determined as his market value. Agree to send him to whatever team he and his mother, who is his business manager, determine would be an ideal landing spot. Or let him ride out the season and decide his own fate in the 2028 offseason without restrictions.

Jackson has played on expiring contracts before, so it’s doubtful that last one scares him. And if we’re being honest, a $52 million salary in 2027 should provide everyone with generational wealth if the money is managed properly. And he will have earned every cent of the $260 million deal his mother negotiated for him in 2023.

The Dolphins have a long and lengthy history of being used by agents and teams during Steve Ross’ nearly two decade-long tenure as owner.

It’s actually a reputation Ross has told me he embraces because it gets him a “seat at the table,” which puts him in positions to get deals done, and in the room with whales.

But these whispers of a possible courtship of Jackson, a proposal of a homecoming, are unhealthy right now.

It’s a situation that isn’t relevant to the 2026 season, which is the first chapter of a massive rebuild started by general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, and a debate that needs to be tabled until the offseason.

And if we’re being honest, backing up a Brinks truck to secure Jackson’s services — which is what would likely be required — might not be the best route to relevance for the Dolphins since there will be younger and cheaper options available.

Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker, who will likely be the top quarterback taken in the 2027 NFL draft if he declares, reminds me of Josh Allen. He’s young and inexperienced, but the arm talent is legit.

Miami’s Darian Mensah plays with the efficiency of Brock Purdy, and that should translate to the NFL if he enters the draft.

Wherever the Dolphins end up picking in the first round of the 2027 Draft, hopefully quarterback is a consideration because Malik Willis hasn’t done anything this season to warrant continues support, at least not yet.

He deserved to have something Chad Henne, Ryan Tannehill and Tua Tagovailoa never had, which is legitimate quarterback competition.

But it’s too early for all that talk, or the over analysis of these draftable quarterbacks.

And it’s much too early to debate and discuss whether Lamar Jackson’s a good fit for Miami.

At least a season and a half too early.

____