Previously, in the 2023 offseason, the Patriots were considered a “wild card” in the Lamar Jackson sweepstakes.
Fast forward to 2024, and they're going in opposite directions, with Jackson and the Ravens (who signed the quarterback to a five-year, $260 million contract extension) clinching the AFC North and the No. 1 seed. The Patriots, on the other hand, have an even higher seed. In the midst of a disastrous 4-12 election campaign, there were more questions than answers about the future.
Ahead of the Patriots' final game of the season against the Jets, head coach Bill Belichick was asked Tuesday about Jackson's offseason buzz and went into rare detail.
“A lot of things happen in the offseason, and each player has their own story, but look, in Lamar's case… there was just a lot, I mean, a lot of emotional moments in that game. There must have been some parts.”,” Belichick said On “The Greg Hill Show.”
“I'm going to discuss players who are on the team and not players who are not on the team. There are always a lot of players available in the offseason. We have some players, I’ve talked to some agents, everything else, and they’re all… those conversations are on a whole other level, so stick with the players that are here.”
Before Jackson signed a big extension with the Ravens in April, Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in March that his friend, rapper Meek Mill, had expressed interest in the 26-year-old quarterback in New England. He revealed that he had sent him a text message.
Mr. Kraft's answer at the time was: [Belichick] decision. “
It's been a two-season saga for the Patriots and Ravens, with Jackson continuing to solidify his status as this year's MVP after defeating the Dolphins 56-19 on Sunday.
The former first-round pick completed 18 of 21 attempts for 321 yards and five touchdowns.
As for the Patriots, they have been playing a game of musical chairs at quarterback all season, with Mac Jones struggling.
Backup Bailey Zappe then took the reins, and the Patriots notched their most recent victory with a 26-23 win over the Broncos on Christmas Eve.
Speculation is mounting as to whether Belichick will return to New England in 2024, just as question marks remain at the quarterback position.
In the meantime, the Patriots are focused on finishing the season with a win over their hated rival.
The Patriots host the Jets on Sunday at 1 p.m.
