After informing the media earlier this week of Lamar Jackson’s interest in joining the Patriots, team owner Robert Kraft said that Bill Belichick would make the decision on whether to try and recruit him. It appears Belichick has now made that decision.
According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, the Patriots will not be pursuing Jackson. They join a growing list of teams that have determined not to try and acquire the 2019 NFL MVP.
Earlier this week, Kraft told the media that rapper Meek Mill had texted him that Jackson wanted to play for his Patriots and that they were his top choice. Kraft seemed intrigued by the idea at the time, but deferred it to Belichick.
Patriots fans aren’t exactly weeping that they won’t be acquiring Jackson, though there are more than a few who are lamenting having to stick with Mac Jones:
Patriots will not pursue Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson: Source
via @TheAthletic https://t.co/Wr3ZC4WQEz
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 29, 2023
“Good. Hopefully put that to rest, focus on building out the rest of the team. See how Mac does this year, if he struggles LJ may be on the market next year if he’s not traded and plays under the tag,” one user replied.
“Imagine a top ten QB wanting to play for you and you don’t want him back. What has this franchise come to,” wrote another.
“I’m guessing it’s Atlanta and it will cost them a first this year and next,” a third wrote.
Looks like we can scratch off yet another name for a potential team Lamar Jackson will play for.
He may be running out of options.