27 March 2023 , 22:08
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New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft revealed he was told by rapper Meek Mill that superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson wants to play for his six-time Super Bowl champion franchise.
On Monday, Jackson - whose future has been one of the biggest storylines across the offseason - announced he had requested a trade from the Ravens earlier this month on 2 March. Baltimore selected him with the 32nd pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft but it appears the quarterback’s time with the franchise is nearing its end.
Jackson addressed his future publicly for the first time this offseason after Baltimore placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on the dynamic quarterback. The tag allows Jackson to speak with other franchises over his future, while the Ravens can ultimately match or surpass any contract offer - or decide to ship the 26-year-old in exchange for two first round picks.
At the NFL’s annual ownership meetings in Arizona, Patriots owner Kraft sensationally revealed hit rapper Meek Mill texted him three or four days ago to claim Jackson wants to play for the Patriots. Kraft - who has a close relationship with Mill through Philadelphia 76ers owner Michael Rubin - responded that such a personnel decision would come down to head coach Bill Belichick, who will have final say over any pursuit of Jackson.
The Patriots have been linked with a move for Jackson after the 2023 NFL Draft as the AFC East team could deal their first round selections from the 2024 and 2025 drafts. However, the Pats could engineer a deal for less capital from the Ravens, although it is likely Baltimore will ask for more given they have the right to match any offer sheets that Jackson signs from another team.
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It’s also unlikely that the Ravens decide to trade Jackson to the Patriots given the two franchises have clashed in recent times and share something of a sour relationship. Ultimately, the former MVP cannot be traded until he signs the franchise tag, which he could do at any time while his future is being resolved.
Lamar Jackson is one of the NFL's premier quarterbacks after winning the 2019 MVP award (Getty Images)Jackson spoke out on his future for the first time this offseason in a post aimed at Ravens fans. His statement read: “I want to first thank you all for all of the love and support you consistently show towards me. All of you are amazing and I appreciate y’all so much. I want you all to know not to believe everything you read about me. Let me personally answer your questions.
“In regards to my future plans. As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organisation for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value, any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team win the Super Bowl.
“You all are great but I had to make a business decision that was best for my family and I. No matter how far I go or where my career takes me, I’ll continue to be close to my fans of Baltimore Flock nation and the entire State of Maryland. You’ll see me again.”
Jackson is one of the NFL’s most exciting players and certainly deserves a lucrative deal after winning the MVP award back in 2019 - becoming the second unanimous winner of the coveted award after New England Patriots icon Tom Brady. Ultimately, he wants to secure a lucrative long-term deal after he played for just $1.77million in 2021 and $23.016m last season.