Retired NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski recently shared his thoughts on the potential fit of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson under Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick.
Earlier in March, Jackson was put with a $32.4 million non-exclusive franchise tag, $13 million cheaper than the exclusive tag, by the Baltimore Ravens, allowing the 26-year-old to seek a contract with other teams, however, the franchise still possesses the right to match any offer to retain their QB or let him go to another team in exchange of two first-round picks.
Amid the uncertainty regarding Jackson’s future, the GM Eric DeCosta added fuel to the fire by hinting at the possibility of drafting a quarterback in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft in a pre-draft press conference, making the 2019 NFL MVPs future with the team more uncertain than ever.
What did Rob Gronkowski say about the Patriots’ trade possibility with Lamar Jackson?
Former Patriots opened up on FanDuel TV’s “Ups & Adams” show about Mac Jones, the Patriots team, and the chances of having Lamar Jackson in Massachusetts. The host Kay Adams asked if veteran quarterback Lamar Jackson could be included in the New England Patriots roster.
Gonk replied by citing Jackson could be a good fit as the Patriots coach Belichick was openly craving for a dual-threat talent like Jackson during their shared years in Foxboro as he doesn’t like a pocket passer, and longed for someone like the Ravens QB, the player being able to run the ball as well.
“I feel like Coach Belichick always kind of dreamed of a quarterback — not just a pocket passer, but a Lamar Jackson-type. The one that can run the ball as well. I just feel like he likes those types of quarterbacks from all the times he talked about them in meetings and stuff when we were going against them. So, that’s why it would be a good fit”, he said.
However, the former TE also displayed his reasons in favor of the claim Jackson would “not be a good fit” citing the amount of the deal as the Patriots coach would not pay $50- plus million money for a QB.
“It wouldn’t be a good fit at the same time because he has to pay him $50-plus million and he’s not paying $50-plus million for a quarterback. So therefore it’s not a good fit off the bat because of that reason. So, I don’t think that’s going to go down at all.”
Earlier the Patriots owner Robert Kraft revealed the Ravens veteran star showcased his interest in joining their squad at the NFL annual meetings, however, Kraft handed that responsibility to Belichick.
Robert Kraft said Meek Mill texted him a few days ago saying that Lamar Jackson wanted to come to the Patriots.
But Kraft said it was Belichick’s decision.
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) March 27, 2023
As of now, there have been no official statements or indications from either the Patriots or Jackson’s camp regarding any potential interest or discussions about a possible move. Only time will tell how Jackson’s career unfolds, and whether he would ever wear the Patriots’ uniform under Belichick’s guidance.
Stay with Sportszion to see how this story develops and if any changes occur in the coming months.
