Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson tweeted the obvious on Monday morning, stating he wants a trade this offseason. After that, rumors around Jackson’s next destination started swirling and speculation has him linked to a handful of teams. One of those teams is apparently the New England Patriots. Owner Robert Kraft said he received a text from rapper Meek Mill, who says Jackson wouldn’t mind playing in New England.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Meek Mill texted him three or four days ago saying Lamar Jackson wanted to come to New England. Kraft responded that would be Bill Belichick’s decision.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 27, 2023
Now, Kraft says that the decision would need to be made by Bill Belichick. One would think, knowing the Patriots and how the organization operates that Belichick wouldn’t be interested in adding Jackson via trade and giving him a ton of money. Jackson reportedly is looking in the neighborhood of $200 million guaranteed on a long-term contract. He’s in his prime, has a track record of winning and has an MVP. This may seem pretty unlikely, a trade by the Pats for Jackson. But not so fast.
Has Lamar Jackson answered the pre-draft questions about his pocket passing?
— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) September 21, 2022
Bill Belichick: "Without a doubt. It’s the type of the player, the MVP type of candidate. I think he’s more than answered them. But, we’ll see what his contract is, that will answer them." pic.twitter.com/PG24bG2jLk
Belichick has publicly praised Jackson in the past as referenced by the video above. That isn’t to say those are 100% Belichick’s sentiments. He can absolutely feel Jackson is a fine pocket-passer and great talent, but not the right one to lead the Patriots or win a Super Bowl. Still, with how New England has looked post-Tom Brady, you’d think the franchise might entertain bringing in someone established like Jackson.
Jackson gives them the best shot to win out of Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe. The Ravens QB could do well in the Pats’ system if it means managing the game, throwing quick, shorter routes and using his legs as a weapon and to improvise outside the pocket. The Patriots’ dynasty teams were always centered around defense. Jackson did pretty well in a similar system with Baltimore.
We don’t have any reports right now specifically linking the Pats to Jackson. That could change, but for now this is more smoke/rumor than concrete reporting. It’s a rapper who is friends with Lamar and has a relationship with Kraft, saying the QB wants to go to the Pats. So for now we’ll just wait and see what happens on the Lamar trade front. We should get more clarity/resolution soon, however. The 2023 NFL Draft is approaching at the end of April.