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While Aaron Rodgers may have declared his “intention” to play for the New York Jets next season, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t any juicy quarterback drama left.
In addition to Rodgers, the biggest quarterback-related story this offseason has been Lamar Jackson, who has yet to agree to a new deal with the Baltimore Ravens, the team that drafted him.
Earlier this month, the Ravens placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, which therefore allows for other teams to negotiate with the former MVP QB. And according to some NFL insiders, one of those teams could be Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots.
Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up! on Friday, former Pat and current ESPN analyst Rob Ninkovich tried to hype up the idea of the Pats pursuing Lamar:
“If you’re the Patriots, and you go and you make an attempt to get Lamar, that changes everything. Absolutely everything. And listen, I am a huge fan of Lamar’s style of game and what it puts on a defense, the stresses,” Ninkovich said.
“And there’s needs and wants, OK? A need is necessary for life. A want, it helps your quality of life. I don’t need Lamar here, but I sure as heck want to see Lamar running around with a New England Patriot on his helmet. Because if you see it out there, the Patriots instantly become division favorites and, to me, get right back into that Super Bowl hunt.” [via ProFootballTalk]
Additionally, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler “described the Patriots as a “wild card” for the 2019 NFL MVP.”
Whoever the Patriots’ signal-caller is next season, they’ll certainly have more weapons than starter Mac Jones had last year, as the team has brought in wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster tight end Mike Gesicki, and running back James Robinson to help bolster their offensive unit.