Lamar Jackson told ‘not to play for Belichick’ after trade request

Lamar Jackson has been warned not to join the New England Patriots after he took step towards making himself available by confirming he has handed in a trade request. The former MVP’s five year contract with the Baltimore Ravens is up this off-season and the two parties have so far failed to come to an agreement on an extension.

Jackson, taken with the last pick of the first round in the 2018 NFL Draft has essentially been available throughout this past month after the quarterback was said to have rejected a five-year £208.5m ($250m) deal with the Ravens. That deal would have seen him make a guaranteed £111m ($133m), but Jackson had felt as though he’s worth more than what the franchise are offering.

And with the two parties unable to come to an agreement, the Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on the player. The tag means that Jackson is permitted to sign an offer sheet with another team, and then the Ravens can either match their offer and either keep him or opt for a trade.

After Jackson took to social media on Monday with a series of tweets outlining his version of events, a number of teams have been linked including the Washington Commanders, Indianapolis Colts and even the New England Patriots.

The Patriots do have their first-round pick in Mac Jones, as well as talented rookie Bailey Zappe on the roster, but both underwhelmed last season. A move for Jackson would transform most franchises, including the Patriots.

And after Jackson was linked with a move to Foxborough, Asante Samuel tweeted: “Lamar Jackson, my brother trust me you don’t want to play for Belichick.”

Samuel spent four years with the Patriots, winning two Super Bowls under head coach Bill Belichick.

And although remembered as a legendary player for the team, it appears the pair may have had their differences if Samuel’s outburst is anything to go by.

Despite the reports linking New England with the 26-year-old and the franchise being the oddsmakers second favourite destination behind the Colts, The Athletic’s respected beat writer Jeff Howe has suggested the Pats will not go after Jackson, sticking with what they have under centre.

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