There has been a lot of talk regarding the Patriots’ future with Mac Jones as the franchise quarterback over the past year, and it’s only grown since Lamar Jackson became available for trade a few weeks ago.
The Patriots were interested in Jackson during the 2018 draft, having a few visits with him, and were dabbling in the idea of selecting him as Tom Brady’s eventual successor. Of course, that didn’t happen, as they chose Isaiah Wynn and Sony Michel in the first round instead.
Now that they have a chance to get a quarterback they may have missed out on, speculation has run rampant about whether they will make the move.
Robert Kraft has double, triple, and quadrupled down on his approval of Mac Jones thus far, even sharing his thoughts again during his media availability on Monday afternoon.
Kraft: "He’s in the stadium almost every day now in the offseason. I think bringing in Bill O’Brien will work towards his advantage. I’m very positive and hopefully about this upcoming year. I’m personally a big fan of Mac."
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) March 27, 2023
But then things took a dramatic turn just minutes later when Kraft shared a text message he received recently from Meek Mill about Jackson.
Allegedly, Jackson told Meek Mill he wanted to play in New England.
That’s fine and dandy, but Kraft’s response is what will make all the headlines.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Meek Mill texted him three or four days ago saying Lamar Jackson wanted to come to New England. Kraft responded that would be Bill Belichick’s decision.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 27, 2023
After publicly supporting Jones as he enters his third NFL season, Kraft stating, “that would be Bill Belichick’s decision,” is quite shocking.
Kraft has made his feelings known about Jones nearly everywhere he has gone. From interviews with Fox Business to appearances on radio stations to speaking with the media during the owner’s meeting in Phoenix. His feelings have remained consistent; he supports Jones as the starting quarterback of the Patriots.
But what does this comment mean? Does he support Belichick pursuing Jackson if the price is right? Or does he not want that to happen, and if it does, he wants no blame for it?
Whatever it may be, it will undoubtedly rile up New England fans for the next several weeks.