Michael Irvin believes a move to the Miami Dolphins could take Lamar Jackson’s profile to another level.
During Monday’s edition of ESPN’s “First Take,” Irvin made his case for Miami as a potential destination for the Baltimore Ravens quarterback. His pitch focused on the stature Jackson could achieve in South Florida.
“Lamar in Baltimore is an NFL superstar. Lamar in Miami is an international icon.”
—@michaelirvin88 on what Lamar Jackson’s future might look like 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZoxFzaUuZv
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 2, 2026
“Lamar in Baltimore is an NFL superstar,” Irvin said. “Lamar in Miami is an international icon, and it would be off the charts.”
Irvin’s endorsement adds a Dolphins angle to the discussion of Jackson’s future, but the comment does not establish that Miami is pursuing him or that Baltimore has decided to move him.
Lamar Jackson’s injury adds uncertainty in Baltimore
The discussion comes after Ravens coach Jesse Minter announced Sunday that Jackson would need surgery and go on injured reserve. In Baltimore’s official postgame transcript, Minter was asked whether the absence could end Jackson’s season.
“Potentially, but we’ll see where it’s at,” Minter said.
That leaves the length of Jackson’s absence unresolved. Minter’s answer establishes the possibility of a season-ending injury, rather than a definitive ruling that Jackson will not return this year.
It also leaves a separate question unanswered: what Baltimore intends to do with its quarterback beyond this season. The injury announcement concerns Jackson’s availability; Irvin’s Miami pitch concerns a hypothetical change of teams.
How Irvin’s pitch fits the Dolphins’ plans
Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has outlined an approach that places a premium on developing players within the organization. In a January interview published by the team, he identified retaining that talent as part of the same process.
“We’re going to draft and develop and retain our own,” Sullivan said. “It’s important to us that we raise our own because that’s culture, right? We don’t want a team full of mercenaries. That creates problems on multiple levels… But then within that, it’s who you infuse into that locker room. We want people who love football, who want to be the best that they can be, who are selfless, who are good teammates.”
Sullivan also emphasized improving the offensive and defensive lines. He also described the draft and other acquisition avenues as ways to make the roster more competitive.
Those comments outline his priorities without settling how he would evaluate a specific opportunity involving Jackson.
The practical question for Miami would therefore extend beyond the attention Jackson could bring. Any pursuit would need to fit the resources required to strengthen the rest of the roster, an issue Irvin’s statement about international recognition does not resolve.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins have been working to develop their offense with Malik Willis. Their recent passing-game adjustments under Bobby Slowik provide the immediate context for evaluating the quarterback already in place.
That ongoing work, along with Sullivan’s stated priorities, is the football backdrop to Irvin’s much bigger vision for Miami.
