Could Patriots move for Lamar Jackson? Bill Belichick linked with sensational swoop for former MVP
Historically, Bill Belichick and Lamar Jackson have arguably taken up opposite sides of the spectrum.
Belichick's all-substance, no-flash style and Jackson's stylish approach to the game arguably could not be more different. However, one NFL analyst has essentially explained why opposites may attract in this situation.
CBS Sports analyst Cody Benjamin wrote in an article published on the site that Belichick has an appetite for change and could apply it at the quarterback position. Here's how he put it:
"Bill Belichick has gone on record praising Jackson as MVP-level material, and he's about to reset the offensive structure after 2022's failures, with incumbent QB Mac Jones a middling prospect at this point."
Will Bill Belichick put in an offer for Lamar Jackson?
He went on to call the move a "win-now pivot":
"He's also 70, and surely ready to make a win-now pivot after three forgettable years post-Tom Brady. Best of all, he's got more than $30M in 2023 cap space at his disposal."
Lamar Jackson's potential suitors eagerly hope for disastrous end to negotiations
The aforementioned article also listed 14 other teams that have at least one reason to pursue Lamar Jackson.
The New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders could be candidates to jump into the sweepstakes.
The list also includes the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, and Minnesota Vikings.
If even a third of those teams find themselves serious enough to throw in an offer, the New England Patriots general manager will have his hands full. For a team used to being in a Super Bowl at least every 3-5 years, New England's post-Tom Brady struggles have been a humbling punch to the gut.
Lamar Jackson is such an underrated passer. Does an amazing job tying his feet and eyes together then he's that dynamic with his legs.
The Patriots notably trotted out quarterback Cam Newton, one of the most well-known mobile quarterbacks of the last decade, for a season. Consequently, it wouldn't be such a far leap of logic to see Belichick get aggressive with Baltimore.
However, putting pen to paper is a different feeling than thinking in a pie-in-the-sky manner.
Starting today, NFL teams can designate their Franchise or Transition Players.
Franchise tag candidates include Lamar Jackson, Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley, Geno Smith, Tony Pollard, Dalton Schultz, Orlando Brown Jr., Jessie Bates, Daron Payne and Josh Jacobs.
Will Bill Belichick take a leap this offseason?