"That's the problem" - Doubts raised over Bill Belichick's Don Shula record chase as Lamar Jackson speculation engulfs Patriots
Lamar Jackson has been connected to rumors involving joining several teams during the 2023 NFL offseason. His time with the Baltimore Ravens appears to be all but over, as the two sides failed to come to an agreement on a long-term contract extension.
The Ravens placed their non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson as a result, but he countered by formally requesting a trade.
One potential landing spot that seems to make sense is the New England Patriots. Mac Jones showed alarming signs of serious regression during his second season with the team, causing speculation that the Patriots may be looking to upgrade their quarterback position.
NFL analyst Nick Wright recently appeared on an episode of "First Things First" to share his take on the possibility of Lamar Jackson joining the Patriots and what it could potentially mean for Bill Belichick's legacy.
He said:
"For the Patriots part of it, to me it is obvious that they should do it. And the part of it for Belichick is, and I mentioned it before, he's 30 wins behind Shula for the all-time record. That doesn't sound like that much, but if you win six or seven games a year now, you need five years. That's the problem."
He added:
"If they're not good for two more years, I don't know that he gets to finish in New England, and I don't think he wants to break that record somewhere else. If you want to guarantee you get to break that record with the Patriots, this is the only way. And Lamar is not a sure thing at quarterback, but it's the best available option you have by far, and they will win."
"Bill Belichick is 30 wins behind Don Shula. It doesn't sound like that much, but if you win 6-7 games a year you need 5 yrs. If the Patriots aren't good for 2 more years I don't know if he gets to finish in New England. Lamar is the Patriots best option by far." — @getnickwright https://t.co/GLQYgSz5fO
Bill Belichick is one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. He holds the all-time record in many categories among head coaches, including Super Bowl rings and wins in the NFL Playoffs.
One major NFL record he's currently missing is the most total career wins, which is currently held by Miami Dolphins legend Don Shula, but Belichick could potentially catch him in the next few years.
As Nick Wright pointed out, Lamar Jackson can significantly speed up Belcihick's chase of Shula. The former NFL MVP winner is much more of a sure thing than Mac Jones, whose future outlook as a quarterback prospect is in limbo after a disappointing year two.
What will it take for the Patriots to acquire Lamar Jackson?
As per the non-exclusive franchise tag, Lamar Jackson is free to negotiate a new contract with the Patriots during the free agency period.
If they agree to terms on a deal, the Ravens will have the opportunity to match the offer. If the Ravens choose to pass, the Patriots can sign Jackson to their roster in exchange for sending two first-round picks in the NFL Draft back to Baltimore.
Another option for the Patriots is seeking a more traditional trade with the Ravens. The two sides will be able to work out a standard trade for Lamar Jackson, skipping the process involved with the non-exclusive franchise tag.