Once upon the 2023 offseason, the Patriots were deemed a “wild card” in the Lamar Jackson sweepstakes.
Fast-forward to 2024 and both parties are trending in opposite directions, with Jackson and the Ravens — with whom the quarterback signed a five-year, $260 million contract extension — clinching the AFC North and No.1 seed, whereas the Patriots have more questions than answers about the future amid a dismal 4-12 campaign.
Ahead of the Patriots’ season finale against the Jets, head coach Bill Belichick was asked Tuesday about the offseason Jackson buzz and provided a rare elaboration.
“There’s a lot of things that go along in the offseason and each player has his own story, but look, in Lamar’s case … there was a lot of, I would say there would have been a lot of moving parts on that one, anyway,” Belichick said on “The Greg Hill Show.”
“I’ll discuss the players that are on the team, not the ones that aren’t on it. There’s a lot of players out there that were available, that are always available in the offseason. We talked to some of the players, some of the agents and all that, but those are all … those conversations are on a whole other level, so, stick to guys that are here.”
Before Jackson signed his massive extension with the Ravens in April, Patriots owner Robert Kraft revealed in March that his pal, rapper Meek Mill, texted him about the 26-year-old quarterback’s apparent interest in New England.
Kraft’s answer at the time was: “That’s a Bill [Belichick] decision.”
It’s been a tale of two seasons for the Patriots and Ravens, with Jackson continuing to solidify his case as this year’s MVP following a 56-19 thrashing of the Dolphins on Sunday.
The former first-round pick completed 18-of-21 attempts for 321 yards and five touchdowns.
As for the Patriots, they’ve played quarterback musical chairs throughout the season due in part to Mac Jones’ struggles.
Backup Bailey Zappe has since taken the reins, with the Patriots getting their latest victory on Christmas Eve with a 26-23 win over the Broncos.
Much like the question mark lingering over the quarterback position, speculation is mounting as to whether or not Belichick will return to New England in 2024.
In the meantime, the Patriots are focused on closing out the season with a win against a loathed rival.
The Patriots host the Jets on Sunday at 1 p.m.
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