Earlier this week, Mike Kadlick of CLNS Media said the Patriots are a team that “absolutely would” sign Lamar Jackson to an offer sheet. The former MVP recently received the non-exclusive franchise tag from the Ravens.
The thought of Jackson signing with the Patriots had the NFL world buzzing for a few hours. That being said, it doesn’t sound like the two sides will join forced.
Mark Daniels of MassLive reported that New England will not pursue Jackson this offseason.
“Although the Jets are reportedly close to landing Rodgers, it doesn’t appear that the Patriots would spend similar money on the quarterback position,” Daniels wrote. “According to a league source, the Patriots aren’t expected to pursue Jackson during this free-agent process.”
The Patriots will most likely remain committed to Mac Jones for at least one more season.
Jones was impressive as a rookie, completing 67.6 percent of his pass attempts for 3,801 yards with 22 touchdowns. In his second year with the Patriots, however, he had just 2,997 yards and 14 touchdowns.
As for Jackson’s future in the NFL, a front-runner has not yet emerged for his services. If it stays that way, he’ll return to the Ravens for the 2023 season.